An official from the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) in the Tashkent region has been arrested on corruption charges. The head of a district department was caught red-handed while receiving a large sum of money, which he had demanded from a local entrepreneur as a 'share' for helping secure a government contract.

According to the investigation, the official promised the director of a local LLC assistance in obtaining contracts for strengthening the banks of three rivers and constructing concrete overpasses, with a total project value of 5.04 billion soums. Citing his connections within the ministry, he demanded $63,000 from the businessman. The first installment of $24,000 was allegedly received in March and April of this year.

The suspect did not stop there and demanded the remaining $39,000. During a joint operation by the State Security Service (SSS), the Department under the Prosecutor General's Office, and the MES internal security department, the official was caught in the act. He was arrested in his official Tracker vehicle while receiving $25,000.

A criminal case has been opened against the official, and he has been placed in custody. Law enforcement authorities urge citizens to report any instances of extortion or corruption via the SSS hotline at 1520, with anonymity guaranteed by law.

Source: podrobno.uz