Mahmud Kholbutayev, the Khokim (governor) of the Sharof Rashidov district in the Jizzakh region, and a Deputy Prosecutor of Gulistan city in the Syrdarya region, have been apprehended while allegedly receiving a bribe. This information was reported by the State Security Service (SGB) press service.
According to reports, a chief specialist from the Sharof Rashidov district Khokimiyat’s department for construction, communications, utilities, ecology, and landscaping allegedly gained the trust of the head of a construction LLC. The specialist is accused of demanding $30,000 USD in exchange for obtaining the Khokim’s approval for the construction of eight multi-story buildings on a 1.7-hectare plot of land. This land had been allocated for the construction of a general education school in the “Tokchilik” neighborhood, according to a previous decision by the Khokim of the district.
On July 5th, the chief specialist reportedly received $10,000 USD of the requested sum and allegedly passed it on to the Khokim of the district.
On July 8th, the specialist allegedly received the remaining $20,000 USD from the entrepreneur and provided documents, purportedly signed by the Khokim, authorizing the construction of the multi-story buildings.
Subsequently, the chief specialist allegedly met with the district head in front of the Khokimiyat building, and while allegedly transferring $10,000 USD to him, their alleged unlawful actions were stopped by State Security Service officers.
Currently, the immunity from prosecution of the Khokim of Sharof Rashidov district has been revoked, and a criminal case has been initiated against him under Article 210 of the Criminal Code. A criminal case has been initiated against the chief specialist under Articles 168 and 211 of the Criminal Code.
In a separate incident in the Syrdarya region, a Deputy Prosecutor of Gulistan city allegedly abused his position by demanding $10,000 USD from the head of an agricultural LLC in the Bayaut district. These funds were allegedly requested to avoid imposing a pre-trial detention measure in a criminal case initiated by the Bayaut District Department of Internal Affairs investigation team under Articles 168 and 167 of the Criminal Code, and to facilitate a favorable outcome for the suspect in the criminal case.
During an operational event conducted by SGB officers, the Deputy Prosecutor was reportedly caught red-handed while receiving the demanded sum in his office.
Currently, a criminal case has been initiated against the Deputy Prosecutor under Articles 168 and 211 of the Criminal Code.
In both cases, pre-trial detention has been applied to the implicated officials, and investigative actions are underway.