The State Security Service (SSS) of Uzbekistan has uncovered two separate corruption cases in the Tashkent and Navoi regions, involving officials from agricultural and water supply agencies. The suspects were detained during sting operations while accepting bribes.

In the Tashkent region, an inspector from the district branch of the Agency for Plant Quarantine and Protection was caught receiving $2,200. The money was allegedly for issuing a certificate allowing a citizen to remove natural turf from 20 hectares of state reserve land, along with a transport declaration.

During the operation, it was revealed that the inspector planned to keep $200 for himself and pass the remaining $2,000 to the head of the district department. The department head was subsequently detained while accepting the $2,000 bribe.

In a separate incident in the Navoi region, a machinist from the district branch of the joint-stock company 'Navoi Suv Ta’minoti' (Navoi Water Supply) was arrested for accepting $500. The bribe was allegedly for securing a job as an operator for a local resident.

Further investigation led to the arrest of a previously convicted chief engineer who had received the money. The district department head was also found to be involved in the illegal scheme. All procedural documents have been formalized.

Criminal cases have been initiated in both instances, and investigative actions are ongoing.

Source: www.gazeta.uz