In the Andijan region of Uzbekistan, former deputy mayors of the Bostan district responsible for investments and agriculture have been handed significant prison sentences following a corruption trial. Court documents reveal that the officials conspired to extort money from local farmers by promising to cover a substantial export plan through fictitious operations. This case highlights ongoing administrative challenges and integrity issues within regional governance structures.
According to court records, 45-year-old U.S., who served as the deputy mayor for agriculture and water resources, was tasked with overseeing the fulfillment of export targets by local farms. He allegedly approached farmers claiming he could fulfill their export obligations—involving a $500,000 export quota—in exchange for 1 million soms per hectare of land. Investigators established that he demanded 5 million soms from a farm manager for 5 hectares of land and successfully collected 4 million soms before being exposed.
Furthermore, the investigation uncovered that U.S. acted in collusion with Sh.D., the former deputy mayor for investments, industry, and trade. The two officials united to demand 65 million soms from a multi-profile farming enterprise under the guise of falsely covering their agricultural export figures. During an operational sting operation conducted by law enforcement, Sh.D. was caught red-handed while accepting 40 million soms of the demanded bribe.
The Kurgantepa District Court for Criminal Cases found both former officials guilty under relevant clauses of Article 210 of the Criminal Code concerning bribery. Consequently, U.S. was sentenced to 6 years in prison, while Sh.D. received a 5-year and 6-month prison term. Additionally, both defendants were stripped of the right to hold official positions in state or state-participating organizations for a period of 2 years.
Subsequent appeals through appellate and cassation judicial instances failed to alter the original verdict, leaving the sentences intact. The outcome reflects continued legal scrutiny over local administrative corruption and the systemic enforcement of anti-bribery laws within the country.
Source: kun.uz