Plant quarantine inspector detained over bribery

An inspector from the Tashkent regional department of the Plant Quarantine and Protection Agency has been detained in Tashkent for accepting a bribe of 20 million soums, the State Security Service reported.

According to the statement, the inspector allegedly abused his official position in an attempt to obtain illicit financial gain. In particular, he demanded 20 million soums from a Tashkent resident, born in 1995, in exchange for facilitating the passage of mineral fertilizer products through the Navoi border customs post. The shipment consisted of seven types of fertilizers, totaling 187 packaged units.

The illegal activity was uncovered during a joint operation conducted by officers of the State Security Service in cooperation with the Personal Security Department of the Customs Committee. The inspector was caught red-handed with material evidence while receiving the requested amount in the Olmazor district of the capital.

A criminal case has been initiated against the suspect, and a pre-trial detention measure has been applied. Investigative actions are ongoing.

Earlier, a similar case was reported in the Fergana region, where an official who promised to secure a university admission for an acquaintance was detained with $2,000.