Two Tashkent tax inspectors caught taking $5,000 bribe

The State Security Service reported that the incident was brought to light following a tip received through its dedicated call center. The subsequent sting operation was carried out jointly by officers from the Tashkent city department of the State Security Service and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the Prosecutor General’s Office.

According to preliminary investigative findings, the two inspectors, both employed by the Yunusobod District Tax Inspectorate, conspired to abuse their official positions for personal financial gain. They promised an entrepreneur that they could secure the lease of three retail stores within the Chilonzor Buyum Bozori Kompleksi joint-stock company.

The suspect inspectors allegedly demanded $5,000 to leverage personal connections within the market administration. This illicit payment was intended to guarantee that the entrepreneur's limited liability company would be declared the winner of the open commercial lease tender and to ensure the swift formalization of the rental contracts.

Law enforcement officers intercepted the transaction during the coordinated sting operation, catching both tax inspectors red-handed as they accepted the requested cash. The money was seized at the scene as material evidence.

A criminal case has been initiated against the individuals, and pre-trial investigative proceedings are currently underway to establish the full scope of the offense.

Following the arrests, the State Security Service reminded the public to report corruption, bribery, or any other administrative violations by calling its short hotline number, 1520. The agency emphasized that the identity of all informants is strictly protected and full confidentiality is guaranteed.