Officials in the Davlatabad district of Uzbekistan’s Namangan region allegedly embezzled 1 billion soums (approximately $80,000) by substituting cheaper heating boilers during a procurement process for local schools. The scheme was uncovered during a pre-investigation audit by the regional department of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

According to preliminary findings, employees of the district’s preschool and school education department colluded with other individuals to fulfill a contract for supplying heating boilers to educational institutions. The contract stipulated the purchase of ABS-brand boilers, but LES-brand products were actually delivered.

The audit revealed that as a result, 1 billion soums of budget funds were misappropriated or embezzled. A criminal case has been initiated on charges of embezzlement through misappropriation or waste. An investigation is ongoing.

Earlier, Uzbekistan cancelled a tender by the Ministry of Preschool and School Education with a starting price of 587.2 million soums. Violations were identified by the Committee for Competition Development and Consumer Protection.

Source: podrobno.uz