Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Law enforcement officers in Uzbekistan have detained several government officials while accepting large bribes, the State Security Service (SGB) reported.

In Kokand, Fergana region, two inspectors from the local branch of "Ferganavodsnabzhenie" JSC, who had previously faced criminal charges, were arrested. Abusing their official positions, they received US$51,000 for installing water meters in 555 apartments, opening personal accounts, and issuing the necessary certificates. Criminal cases have been initiated against them under paragraph "a" of part 4 of article 168-25 (attempted large-scale fraud) and paragraph "a" of part 3 of article 211-28 (complicity in large-scale bribery).

In Namangan region, law enforcement officers arrested an engineer from the "Energosbyt" department of the district power grid. Through an intermediary, he received US$20,000 in exchange for not holding a limited liability company accountable for illegally consuming electricity during metal smelting. A criminal case has been opened against him under paragraph "a" of part 4 of article 168 (large-scale fraud) and paragraph "a" of part 3 of article 211-28 (complicity in large-scale bribery). The engineer was taken into custody.

In Andijan region, the head of the district cadastral department demanded US$6,000 to withdraw a lawsuit and assist in legalizing 22 sotkas (2,200 square meters) of land for residential construction. He received the illegal payment in his office, where he was caught red-handed. A criminal case has been initiated against him under part 1 of article 210 (bribery), and he has been placed in custody.