Two deputy mayors of Buston district of Andijan province — in charge of investment and the other for agriculture and water management — have been arrested on suspicion of corruption, the State Security Service (SSS) said. The operation was conducted jointly with other law enforcement agencies.
According to the SSS, having colluded and abused their official position, the officials demanded 65 million soums for the “closure” of a farm’s export plan in the district worth of $500 thousand through fictitious export deals.
The deputy mayor in charge of agriculture and water management received 25 million soums upfront in August. When the remaining amount — 40 million soums — was handed over through the deputy mayor for investments, he was detained with material evidence.
A criminal case has been opened against two officials under the Receiving a bribe by extortion by prior conspiracy by a group of officials charge of the Criminal Code, punishable with imprisonment from 5 to 10 years.
