In Uzbekistan, an attempt to solicit a large bribe by an official from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation has been thwarted. The civil servant was apprehended while receiving $100,000, which, according to investigative data, he allegedly demanded in exchange for facilitating the issuance of a license to open a branch of a non-state higher education institution in the city of Karshi, Kashkadarya region.

As reported by the Telegram channel XAVFSIZLIK, a leading specialist from the ministry's department for licensing educational organizations requested the money from a representative of a university. In return for the specified sum, he purportedly promised a positive decision on issuing a license for a branch of a prestigious non-state university operating in Karshi. During operational measures conducted by officers of the Kashkadarya Regional Directorate of the State Security Service in Tashkent, the official was caught red-handed while receiving the demanded amount.

Regarding this incident, the investigative department of the State Security Service has initiated a criminal case under Article 168, Part 4, Clause "a" of the Criminal Code (fraud). A preventive measure in the form of detention has been applied against the suspect. Currently, investigative actions are ongoing to uncover further details and potential accomplices.

The State Security Service also called on citizens to report similar violations via the short number 1520, emphasizing that the confidentiality of appeals is guaranteed. This case highlights ongoing challenges in combating corruption within Uzbekistan's higher education sector, despite purported anti-graft efforts by the authorities.

Source: kun.uz