Bribery crackdown: Two officials caught taking illegal payments (video)

Authorities in Uzbekistan have detained a customs officer in Tashkent region and the head of the Emergency Situations Department in Samarkand region while accepting bribes. The operation was conducted by the State Security Service.

The customs officer, stationed at Yangiyul customs post, allegedly abused his official position by facilitating the smooth clearance of wheat shipments arriving via railway from Kazakhstan in exchange for a $2,700 bribe. The payment was transferred through a third party.

Meanwhile, the head of the Jomboy District Emergency Situations Department in Samarqand region was caught accepting a $200 bribe from an individual seeking official approval for fire safety compliance in a private kindergarten. He allegedly promised future assistance in securing authorization for the facility.

Criminal cases have been initiated against both officials under Article 210 (Bribery) of the Criminal Code, and they have been placed in pretrial detention while investigations continue.

Earlier, illegal transactions related to land plots were uncovered in Syrdarya, Tashkent, Khorezm, Andijan, and Fergana regions, with several officials involved.