The deputy mayor of the Forish district, in Jizzakh province has been detained on suspicion of receiving a large bribe, the State Security Service said.
Reportedly, in June the official demanded $30,000 from a specialized agricultural enterprise for assistance in keeping the right for 204 hectares of irrigated land won at auction.
The man demanded that $20,000 of this amount to be transferred immediately, and the remaining $10,000 after the harvest. He was caught red-handedly in his official car while receiving the first part of the money, the State Security Service said.
A criminal case has been opened against the deputy mayor under the Fraud on an especially large-scale charge and the Accepting a bribe on an especially large-scale charge of the Criminal Code.
The accused has been remanded in custody, with a preliminary investigation underway.
