Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — An official from the city administration of Ahangaran in Tashkent region has been detained while receiving a bribe, according to the State Security Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The official, who headed a department within the city administration, abused his position by deceiving a local resident born in 1958. He promised to facilitate the allocation of a three-room apartment in the man's name, which was eventually supposed to be transferred to the balance sheet of the city administration. To make his offer more convincing, he claimed to have influential connections within the judicial system.

Presenting his actions as a “selfless favor,” the official agreed with the citizen on a payment of US$15,000 for the apartment arrangement. Additionally, he demanded another US$3,500, allegedly for transferring to his "contacts in the judiciary." The total requested amount reached US$18,500.

He was caught red-handed by officers of the State Security Service and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the Prosecutor General’s Office while accepting a US$9,500 advance. Physical evidence was seized during the operation.

A criminal case has been opened, the suspect has been taken into custody, and investigative actions are currently underway.