Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Authorities in Kashkadarya region have uncovered a case of corruption involving tax evasion and abuse of official position.

A previously convicted resident of Kamashi district, who failed to repay 360 million soums in tax debt, had been declared bankrupt by the Economic Court as the owner of a brick manufacturing enterprise. Despite not settling the debt, he allegedly used his connections in state institutions to have the seizure of his plant lifted and resume its operations. In return, he demanded US$4,000 from the director of an LLC.

During a sting operation carried out by the State Security Service (SGB) in Kashkadarya, together with the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, the man was caught red-handed while receiving a US$3,000 advance.

Further investigations led to the arrest of the deputy head of the Kamashi District Tax Inspectorate, who was also caught accepting US$3,000 and was found in possession of physical evidence.

Criminal cases have been initiated against both individuals, and investigative procedures are currently underway.