Tax official caught accepting $1,000 bribe (video)

A tax inspector in Uzbekistan's Navoi Region has been detained while allegedly accepting a bribe in exchange for reducing a business owner's tax debt and avoiding financial penalties. The incident was reported by the Navoi Regional Department of Internal Affairs.

According to the investigation, the suspect, who served as a Chief State Tax Inspector in the Desk Tax Audit Department of the Konimex District Tax Inspectorate, demanded $1,000 from a local entrepreneur. In return, the official allegedly promised to reduce part of the entrepreneur's tax debt and refrain from imposing a financial penalty.

During a special operation, the official was caught red-handed while receiving the agreed amount of money. Authorities said material evidence was seized during the arrest.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 210 of Uzbekistan's Criminal Code (accepting a bribe), and investigative proceedings are ongoing.

Earlier, a criminal case was also opened against an investigator from a district police department in Navoi Region who was suspected of accepting a bribe by abusing his official position.