The Yashnabad District Criminal Court held its second hearing in the case of Bahodirjon Sidikov, former chairman of Uzbekneftegaz JSC, and his associates. Sidikov denied all charges and provided detailed testimony on all 19 episodes. He justified his decisions by the need to support gas production, implement government resolutions, meet obligations to foreign creditors, and resolve commercial disputes with contractors.
The hearing was presided over by Judge Jasurbek Ubaydullayev. Four new lawyers joined the proceedings. The court discussed property seized during the investigation, including Lexus, Li Auto L9, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz cars. One lawyer reported that 15 real estate properties belonging to a defendant had been seized, some registered in the names of family members.
The defense argued that Sidikov was a deputy of the Kungrad district council at the time of his arrest, and his parliamentary immunity was violated. The lawyer stated that Sidikov was detained in January, while his deputy powers were only terminated on June 15. The defense requested that evidence collected before immunity was lifted be declared inadmissible. The judge postponed the ruling on this motion.
The prosecutor read out the indictment. According to the investigation, Sidikov allegedly organized a group to embezzle company property and state funds, submitted false information to state bodies, inflated prices for equipment and services, and transferred money for unfulfilled work. The total damage is estimated at 7.8 trillion soums, with about 2.4 trillion soums allegedly embezzled between 2020 and 2025.
Sidikov is charged under Articles 167 (embezzlement), 205 (abuse of power), 209 (official forgery), and 243 (money laundering) of the Criminal Code. Other defendants — Bakhtiyor Anarkulov, Dilmurod Burkhanov, Dilshod Khakberdiev, Ulugbek Usmanov, Alisher Ochilov, Hamidulla Asatov, Masudjon Khoshimov, and Nodirjon Boboev — also pleaded not guilty.
On the first episode concerning the sale of a 49% stake in Jizzakh Petroleum, Sidikov said the deal was initiated before his appointment. He cited valuations by KPMG ($87 million), Deloitte (1 soum), and PwC ($15.1 million), calling the $71 million difference a commercial dispute over asset value.
Regarding the transfer of 106 oil and gas fields to SANEG, Sidikov claimed it was mandated by a government decision, and the price difference was due to a VAT rate change. He explained the payment schedule adjustment by citing restrictions imposed by international creditors.
On the Shurtan Gas Chemical Complex expansion and the Ark Chemical JV, Sidikov said the foreign partner was supposed to contribute $660 million but faced financial difficulties following Russia's war against Ukraine. He stated that the contribution was planned to be fully formalized by 2028.
On the Uzbekistan GTL project, Sidikov reported over 2,400 defects at the plant, limiting capacity to 72%. He mentioned unmet credit obligations of $2.4 billion. The trial continues, with witness testimonies expected next.
Source: www.gazeta.uz