Anti-corruption audit in Tashkent exposes widespread conflicts of interest among officials

According to a report released by the Tashkent City Council of People's Deputies, investigators identified 29 municipal officials involved in corruption-related offenses or undisclosed conflicts of interest. Authorities also drew up 1,353 administrative violation reports as part of the broader review.

Several senior district officials were subjected to disciplinary measures. Preventive discussions and formal warnings were issued to assistant governors in Mirabad, Chilonzor, Yunusobod, and Yashnobod districts, as well as to the deputy governor of Yakkasaray district responsible for construction, ecology, greening, and public improvement projects. Officials were reprimanded for ethics violations and failures to disclose conflicts of interest.

The audit also revealed that 167 government employees had ties to private businesses despite restrictions imposed on civil servants. As a result, 13 employees were dismissed from their positions, while six others relinquished ownership stakes in 20 companies. Four individuals were removed from management roles in private firms.

Authorities also moved against businesses linked to government employees. Seven companies entered liquidation proceedings, while two others were removed from the state register.

In addition, disciplinary reviews were launched against dozens of employees. Forty-nine officials received formal warnings for lesser violations, while 55 cases were referred to ethics commissions, which issued reprimands and other disciplinary measures.

The report also highlighted concerns about transparency within district administrations. An examination of decisions published through the E-qaror electronic platform found that more than half of all decisions and decrees issued in January 2026 – 50.4 percent – were published under restricted access settings, limiting public scrutiny.

As part of ongoing compliance efforts, anti-corruption units reviewed 350 draft decisions submitted by the Tashkent city and district administrations. Seven proposals were rejected for failing to meet legal requirements, while others were amended before approval.

According to the report, the oversight measures helped prevent the improper use of public funds, preserving UZS 2 billion from the reserve budget of the Tashkent city administration.