A 49-year-old man with a prior fraud conviction has been arrested in Tashkent for attempting to extort $360,000 from a businessman in exchange for “resolving problems” related to the construction of a private school and kindergarten. He was caught red-handed while receiving a $30,000 advance payment.

The operation was carried out by the State Security Service, the Tashkent City Main Internal Affairs Directorate, and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes.

According to the investigation, the suspect learned of the businessman’s plans to build a private school and preschool on a 0.37-hectare plot in the Chilanzar district. He allegedly tried to convince the entrepreneur that the project could face obstacles created through local residents and various organizations.

The man then offered to “resolve” the situation for $360,000. He was arrested while receiving the first $30,000, which were seized as evidence.

A criminal case has been opened, and the investigation is ongoing. It is worth noting that Uzbekistan is preparing to introduce digital control over construction and to create an urbanism park.

Source: podrobno.uz