Uzbekistan uncovers corruption schemes in state bodies

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Corruption offenses involving illegal employment, permit issuance, and pension allocation have been uncovered and disrupted in several regions of Uzbekistan.

The operations were carried out by the State Security Service in cooperation with the Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office and internal affairs bodies.

In the Khorezm region, an inspector from the public order protection department of the regional internal affairs directorate is suspected of abusing his official position.

According to investigators, he gained the trust of a resident of Khanka district and demanded US$4,500 for assisting in the employment of an acquaintance in the internal affairs bodies. He was detained during an operation while receiving US$1,800 and 2.4 million soums as an advance payment.

In the Tashkent region, a case of corruption was recorded in the education and regulatory system. A methodologist from a district department of preschool and school education allegedly demanded 1.5 million soums for issuing a sanitary compliance certificate for a residential building intended to open a private family kindergarten, as well as US$200 for a positive fire safety conclusion.

He was caught in the act. Further measures also led to the detention of a senior inspector from the district emergency department, who received US$200.

Another case was identified in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, where a resident of Chimbay district was detained while receiving 7 million soums.

According to the investigation, the money was intended for illegally increasing work experience for the purpose of qualifying for an old-age pension. It was established that the scheme may have involved her son, who holds a position in the regional system of the Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Employment.

Criminal cases have been opened in all three instances, and investigations are ongoing.