Uzbekistan’s Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the Prosecutor General’s Office has reported the detention of an assistant to the hokim, or district governor, in Beshariq district of Fergana region on suspicion of accepting an iPhone 17 Pro Max in exchange for facilitating a 150 million soum loan. The department said the detention took place during a coordinated rapid-response operation involving its Beshariq district unit and other law enforcement officers. The case was announced as part of continuing anti-corruption enforcement in the country.
Key Takeaways: The suspect, identified by initials D.X., allegedly used acquaintances working at a commercial bank to arrange a 150 million soum loan for citizen M.Y. and was detained while receiving the high-end phone as the alleged benefit. A criminal case has been opened under relevant articles of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, and investigators are continuing procedural actions.
The reported operation fits into Uzbekistan’s broader anti-corruption agenda, which has increasingly focused on abuses of official position, loan approvals, permits and public procurement. Officials have regularly publicized enforcement actions in recent years as part of efforts to improve transparency in administrative and financial processes, strengthen public trust in state institutions and create fairer conditions for citizens and businesses. At the same time, such cases are typically announced at the investigation stage, before any court ruling on guilt.
According to the department, the operation took place in the Qo‘rg‘oncha mahalla citizens’ assembly area of Beshariq district. The official statement says D.X. received the iPhone 17 Pro Max—rather than cash—as the alleged improper benefit for helping M.Y. secure the loan through bank contacts. The phone was seized as material evidence. The department did not release the full names of those involved, citing the use of initials in the official account. Investigators are expected to examine how the loan documents were processed, whether intermediaries played a wider role and whether other individuals may be involved.
No court verdict has been issued, and under Uzbek law the presumption of innocence applies until guilt is established by a court. The next stage will depend on the investigation: prosecutors may send the case to court or order additional investigative steps. There has been no public comment yet from the suspect or his defense, and the case is likely to add to public discussion of accountability among officials and transparency in bank lending procedures.
Source: kun.uz