Authorities in Uzbekistan's Navoi region have uncovered the embezzlement of 1.3 billion soums (approximately $1.3 million) in budget funds allocated for irrigation works. According to the press service of the Department under the Prosecutor General's Office, an investigation by the Navoi regional department found that officials from "Navoiysuvqurilishinvest," the reclamation expedition under the Lower Zarafshan Basin Irrigation Systems Administration, and two private firms colluded.

Under the contracts, payment for DIVER equipment was made in full. However, the volume of work performed was inflated. As a result, budget funds were embezzled. A criminal case has been initiated under the article on embezzlement or misappropriation. Investigative actions are ongoing.

Earlier in Gulistan, responsible employees of the city's improvement department were suspected of embezzling 1 billion soums in budget funds. According to the investigation, the money was siphoned through salaries paid to citizens who did not actually work.

These incidents highlight weak oversight of the targeted and effective use of budget funds. The need for systemic reforms in the fight against corruption and the protection of state resources is increasingly evident.

Source: podrobno.uz