The head of a district health department in Uzbekistan's Bukhara region has been arrested on suspicion of bribery. According to the State Security Service (SSS), the official demanded 15% of a contract value from a wholesale medical supply company in exchange for releasing the remaining payment and securing future deals.

The SSS had signed a contract worth over 1 billion soums for medical supplies, with 30% paid upfront. The official allegedly demanded 150 million soums (about $11,800) to transfer the remaining 70% and continue cooperation.

SSS officers detained the official as he received $11,800 through his wife. An investigation also revealed that earlier this year, he had allocated 448 million soums in bonuses to family clinic staff on condition that half be returned, thereby embezzling 92 million soums.

Criminal cases have been opened against the official for “bribe-taking” and “embezzlement or misappropriation,” and against the company representative for “bribe-giving.” Investigative actions are ongoing.

Previously, in Samarkand region, SSS and Economic Crime Department officers uncovered two corruption cases involving a deputy head of a district tax inspectorate and a former deputy governor, charged with bribery and fraud.

Source: podrobno.uz