Ecology Department head in Surkhandarya caught taking bribe

The head of a district department under the Surkhandarya regional Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change has been caught taking a bribe, according to the State Security Service.

It was reported that the official demanded a bribe of 500 US dollars in exchange for altering an official report related to illegal tree cutting on the territory of a local LLC. The report concerned the unauthorized cutting of 14 elm trees, 6 juniper trees, 1 mulberry tree, and 1 plane tree without the required permits. The official promised to modify the document in order to understate the damage caused to nature.

During a joint operation conducted by officers of the State Security Service, the Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office, and internal affairs bodies, the official was detained while receiving the requested money. Material evidence was seized at the scene.

A criminal case has been opened against the suspect under Article 210 (bribe-taking), Part 2, Clause “v” of the Criminal Code. A detention measure has been applied, and investigative actions are currently ongoing.

It is worth noting that earlier illegal activities involving officials of a specialized state forestry enterprise in Pop district of Namangan region had also been uncovered.