During the transfer of the “Sag‘anak” water facility to the balance of the district water supply branch in Piskent district, Tashkent region, the theft of 14.8 km of water pipes was discovered, the Anti-Corruption Agency reported.

The inspection was conducted by the agency in cooperation with the compliance control service of the “Uzsuvtaminot” enterprise and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor's Office. It was found that the head of the Piskent branch of the regional water supply enterprise, B. K., organized the scheme in collusion with officials of company “A.” and others.

The total value of the pipes was 3.931 billion soums, of which 3.078 billion soums were illegally excavated and embezzled. This accounts for nearly 78% of the total.

A criminal case has been initiated against the branch head, company officials, and other involved persons under Article 167, Part 3, Clause “a” of the Criminal Code (Embezzlement or misappropriation on an especially large scale). Investigative actions are currently underway.

This incident once again highlights corruption issues in water infrastructure. The agency continues to take measures to prevent such crimes and strengthen accountability.

Source: www.gazeta.uz