In Uzbekistan, two attempts to illegally obtain money for assistance in processing loans and housing subsidies have been thwarted. Suspects were caught red-handed, and criminal cases have been initiated.

The first incident occurred in the Romitan district of Bukhara region. According to investigators, the head of a sector at a local branch of "Xalq Banki," abusing his official position, promised a citizen assistance in obtaining a loan of 800 million soums. He claimed he could "resolve the issue" through connections at another commercial institution, valuing his services at $2,000. During an operational measure conducted by State Security Service and Prosecutor General's Office Department employees, the official was detained red-handed while receiving the first installment of $1,000 through an intermediary.

The second episode took place in Gulistan. A manager at a microfinance organization branch is suspected of attempting illegal enrichment under the pretext of helping obtain state support. According to law enforcement, the employee promised a resident of the Akaltin district to arrange a preferential housing subsidy using "personal contacts" in the khokimiyat system, demanding $8,000 for his intermediary services. Operatives detained the suspect during the handover of 96 million soums.

In both cases, criminal cases have been initiated under Articles 168 ("Fraud") and 211 ("Bribery"). An investigation is ongoing.

Source: podrobno.uz