Officials among suspects in land bribery cases in Uzbekistan (video)

north_east

State Security Service uncovers corruption in Tashkent City Administration (video)

Illegal activities related to land plots were uncovered in the regions of Syrdarya, Tashkent, Khorezm, Andijan, and Fergana. This was reported by Uzbekistan’s State Security Service.

In Sardoba district, Syrdarya region, an official of the district administration demanded 360 million UZS to lease a 15-hectare land plot specialized for horticulture for three years. Additionally, using his official position, he accepted $30,000 from a citizen for issuing a district governor's decision to change the land category for growing camelthorn plants. The suspect was caught red-handed.

In Tashkent, officials from a local bank’s Credit Operations and Information Exchange department and Business Client Credit department, along with two citizens born in 1992 and 1999, conspired to sell a 5.99-hectare land plot for $455,000, initially allocated by the Urta Chirchik district administration for horticulture purposes. They were apprehended while receiving $85,000 in advance, including $15,000 for altering the land category for greenhouse activities and formalizing cadastral documents through their connections.

In Khorezm's Shovot district, a citizen born in 1984, along with his sister born in 1989, agreed to sell a 2,500 square meter agricultural land plot held in reserve by the district administration. They demanded $66,000 for formalizing the plot in the buyer’s name through acquaintances at cadastral offices. They were caught receiving $45,000 and 130 million UZS in advance.

In Yangibozor district, Khorezm region, a specialist from the Investment, Industry, and Trade department used his position to facilitate the acquisition of a 1-hectare land plot listed on an e-auction. He demanded 300 million UZS, receiving 243 million UZS and $4,300 before being arrested.

In Andijan region, a man born in 1986, along with two accomplices born in 1987 and 1988, agreed to sell a 30 ar land plot, leased by the Khojaobod district administration for agricultural purposes for 30 years, for $27,000. Additionally, they demanded $11,600 for altering the land category and securing permits for future construction. They were detained while receiving a total of $38,600.

In Fergana’s Rishton district, a 1959-born citizen was caught selling a 26 ar horticultural land plot he had acquired using forged documents. He demanded $26,000 for altering the land category to residential through acquaintances at cadastral offices and formalizing it in the buyer’s name.

Currently, criminal cases have been initiated against the suspects under relevant articles of the Criminal Code, and investigations are ongoing.

Previously, in Surkhandarya region, a lawyer was arrested for offering a bribe to a judge to satisfy a complaint in a criminal case.