Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A criminal case has been initiated in the Khorezm region against a senior investigator from the Urgench city prosecutor’s office, who is suspected of taking a bribe using his official position, as well as of committing fraud.

According to the investigation, the prosecutor demanded US$3,000 from a local resident in exchange for terminating a preliminary investigation into a criminal case handled by one of his colleagues, promising to prevent it from going to court.

Between 16 and 28 May 2025, the suspect received from the citizen US$1,000 in cash, 10 million soums, a metal safe valued at around US$1,000, and an office furniture set worth 1.3 million soums. However, investigators state that the suspect deceived the victim, as the investigation was not terminated but instead concluded with the case being referred to court along with an indictment.

After learning this, the victim demanded the return of the money and items provided. The investigator was caught red-handed by officers of the State Security Service of the Khorezm region and the regional prosecutor's office while returning US$1,000, the safe, and the furniture. All items and cash were seized as physical evidence.

A criminal case has been opened against the detainee under Articles 25 and 168 (Part 1) — "attempted fraud," and Articles 28 and 211 (Part 1) — "aiding and abetting in receiving a bribe" of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The court has ordered pretrial detention as a preventive measure. The investigation is ongoing.