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

A legal consultant from the Legal Department of Tashkent City Administration, along with an Economic and Finance Department specialist and another intermediary, have been arrested for demanding a $70,000 bribe from a foreign citizen. This was reported by the State Security Service.

The legal consultant allegedly demanded 10% of the compensation amount (equivalent to $70,000) allocated by the court ruling for the demolition of the foreign citizen’s real estate property. The sum of 8.8 billion UZS had been earmarked for state needs. The consultant, through their acquaintance born in 1979, threatened that if the bribe wasn’t paid, they would submit a cassation complaint to reduce the compensation amount through reassessment.

During an operation conducted by the State Security Service and the Anti-Corruption Department, the intermediary was apprehended with evidence while receiving $70,000 from a foreign citizen.

Subsequent questioning revealed that the intermediary had already handed over $50,000 to the legal consultant from their own funds. They intended to deliver an additional $15,000 to the consultant and retain $5,000 as compensation for their intermediary services.

The operation continued, and the legal consultant was caught receiving the $15,000. The investigation also revealed that the consultant had previously transferred $10,000 from the $50,000 to expedite the compensation process involving the Economic and Finance Department specialist. Both individuals surrendered their bribe money voluntarily, with the consultant returning $40,000 and the specialist returning $10,000.

Additional Cases Several other corruption incidents have been reported, including:

• A Termiz Gas Supply official demanded bribes to clear a violation report and avoid penalties.
• A cadastral inspector in Jizzakh reduced a fine and formalizing illegally constructed housing in exchange for a $400 bribe.
• A cadastral engineer in Qashqadaryo altering land classifications for bribes worth millions.
• Enforcement Bureau officers demanded bribes to transfer restitution funds to victims.
• An inspector in Sirdaryo accepting bribes to reconnect illegal electricity connections.

Criminal cases have been initiated, and investigations are ongoing.