Official caught attempting to secure kindergarten director position for $2,500 bribe

The head of the school and preschool education department in a district of Namangan region has been caught taking a bribe, the State Security Service (SSS) reported.

According to the report, the department head and the directors of two private kindergartens conspired to gain the trust of a local citizen. Through their official connections, they demanded $2,500 in exchange for appointing the citizen as head of a state-owned preschool institution in another district.

During a rapid operation, security officers first detained the head of a private family preschool when he received $2,500. The operation continued, and the head of another private preschool was detained shortly after when he collected the same money from the first suspect.

Further investigation revealed that $1,000 of the bribe was intended for the head of the district school and preschool education department. This official was also detained with material evidence upon receiving the money.

A criminal case has been opened against the suspects under Part 3, Clause “a” of Article 168 (Fraud) and Part 1 of Article 211 (Bribery) of the Criminal Code. Investigations are ongoing.

In a separate case, the head of a district branch of the State Cadastral Chamber under the Cadastre Agency in Andijan region was also detained. He allegedly abused his position to gain the trust of a citizen and was caught receiving $4,000 in exchange for reclassifying 17 acres of rocky reserve land as a private non-residential plot. A criminal case was initiated against him under Part 2 of Article 210 (Bribery) of the Criminal Code, and he has been placed in custody.

Earlier, the deputy mayor of Jalakuduk district in Andijan region was also arrested for bribery after attempting to register a farmer's dacha in his sister-in-law’s name.