Customs inspector arrested for taking bribes through bank cards

According to the statement, the inspector – a member of the customs control and clearance team – was implicated in a bribery scheme involving a resident of the Davlatabad district. The individual had brought 57 units of iPhone 16 Pro Max smartphones from abroad and sought to register their IMEI codes through a customs officer working at Tashkent International Airport. In return, the inspector demanded $100 per phone, totaling $5,700. In addition, he requested another $400 for previously failing to take action against the same individual who had imported undeclared clothing items.

On July 11 and 14 of this year, the inspector had a total of $900 (equivalent to UZS 11.317 million) transferred to bank cards registered in his name and that of a relative.

However, on July 16, he was caught red-handed by officers of the State Security Service, the Department under the General Prosecutor’s Office, and the Customs Committee, while receiving another bribe – $1,000 (equivalent to UZS 12.55 million) transferred to his relative’s bank card. The arrest was carried out with material evidence in hand.

A criminal case has been opened against the customs inspector under Article 168, part 3 (clause “v”) and Article 28/211, part 1 of the Criminal Code. He has been taken into custody as a preventive measure, and investigative actions are ongoing.