Uzbek authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the alleged embezzlement of nearly 20 billion soums from the state budget. The case involves officials from the regional gas supplier Khududgazta'minot, technology company Texnopark, and other individuals, according to the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the Prosecutor General's Office.

Preliminary inquiries suggest that the suspects, acting in collusion, embezzled or misappropriated approximately 19 billion soums that had been allocated for the maintenance of electronic gas meters. The funds were purportedly earmarked for technical servicing, but investigators believe they were diverted for personal gain.

Additionally, investigators found that 273 gas meters manufactured by Texnopark and installed by Khududgazta'minot at consumer sites were deliberately underreporting gas consumption. This manipulation is estimated to have caused further losses of 861.1 million soums to state and public interests.

A criminal case has been opened under relevant articles of the Criminal Code, and investigative actions are currently underway. The authorities have not disclosed further details, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Source: podrobno.uz