Corruption crimes increase in higher education, transport, and agriculture in Uzbekistan

In 2024, corruption-related crimes rose significantly in the fields of higher education, transportation, and agriculture, as reported by Sherzod Saparov, head of the information service of the Anti-Corruption Agency. Saparov shared these insights during a briefing held at Information and Mass Communications Agency on January 20.

A total of 5,716 corruption-related crimes were committed by 6,898 individuals across Uzbekistan in 2024. While corruption decreased in sectors such as "Hududgaztaminot" JSC, water management, local governments, and banking compared to 2023, it increased in higher education, transport, and agriculture. Additionally, corruption levels remain high in pre-school and school education, healthcare, poverty reduction, and employment initiatives.

The Anti-Corruption Agency analyzed 55 media reports on corruption cases, confirming violations in 25 instances involving public procurement and 5 cases where state employees engaged in business activities. These violations were addressed.

An evaluation of state agencies’ functions revealed that 495 out of 7,525 functions across 101 state bodies and organizations carried a "high" level of corruption risk. A performance evaluation of anti-corruption efforts showed:

- 42 out of 95 organizations were rated "good."
- 38 were rated "satisfactory."
- 15 were rated "unsatisfactory."

Reports from poorly rated organizations were critically reviewed, and administrative measures were taken against 5 officials for failing to comply with regulations.

A list of state bodies and organizations subject to the Law "On Conflict of Interest" was approved. A methodological guide was created to address conflicts of interest in public service. Investigations revealed:

- 182 officials worked under the direct supervision of close relatives.
- 1,513 employees simultaneously engaged in business activities alongside public service.

These issues were resolved before the law’s implementation. Additionally, the Openness Index evaluated the transparency of state agencies, rating 31 of 103 agencies as "green," 43 as "yellow," and 29 as "red."

In 2024, the agency received 4,176 appeals. Based on these:

- 55 questionnaires were sent to ministries, local governments, and other agencies.
- 41 recommendations were issued to rectify legal violations.
- Disciplinary actions were taken against 7 individuals, including the termination of one employment contract.
- 19 decisions were overturned.
- 6 criminal and 10 administrative cases were initiated.

An anti-corruption examination of 327 regulatory legal documents identified 676 corruption-causing factors in 71% (233) of the documents. Corrective measures were implemented to address these issues.

Earlier, it was proposed to implement a system for assessing public servants' susceptibility to corruption in Uzbekistan.