Electric utility engineers caught taking bribes in Tashkent
Two engineers from a district electric grid enterprise in Tashkent have been detained for soliciting an $8,000 bribe from a local business owner. The suspects allegedly offered to reduce a 400 million soum fine, issued for illegal electricity usage at a bank branch, to just 65 million soum in exchange for the payment. State security services and anti-corruption officials apprehended the engineers while they were receiving the funds through a third party. A criminal investigation is currently underway, and authorities are encouraging the public to report similar instances of corruption via dedicated hotlines.
Another case of corruption has been uncovered in the capital. Two engineers working for an electric grid enterprise in one of Tashkent's districts were found to have abused their official positions to solicit a bribe.
According to reports, the engineers identified a violation during an inspection of an electricity meter installed in a commercial bank branch building. The inspection revealed that the meter was connected to the grid via an incorrect circuit, resulting in inaccurate electricity consumption records. On this basis, a fine of 400 million soum was set to be imposed.
However, the officials attempted to use this situation for personal gain. They offered the head of the responsible LLC, which had performed the grid connection work, to reduce the fine amount to 65 million soum. In exchange, they demanded 8,000 US dollars.
As a result of an operational event, officers from the regional department of the State Security Service and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes apprehended the engineers while they were receiving the bribe money through a third party.
A criminal case has been initiated regarding the incident, and all circumstances are being thoroughly investigated. Investigative proceedings are ongoing, and legal action is expected to be taken against the perpetrators.
Authorities are urging citizens not to remain indifferent to such violations. It was noted that such cases can be reported via the short number 1520. Furthermore, the confidentiality of the whistleblowers' identities is guaranteed.
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