The embezzlement of budget funds on a particularly large scale in the structures of the Ministry of Defense

On August 9, the head of the investigative department of the Agency for State Financial Control and Combating Corruption of Tajikistan, Nasriddin Nizomzoda, announced at a press conference about the embezzlement within the structures of the Ministry of Defense of Tajikistan.

Nizomzoda informed journalists that as a result of an audit of financial activities in the structural divisions of the Ministry of Defense, facts of embezzlement of state funds totaling 123 million 972 thousand somoni were uncovered. According to the official, nine criminal cases have been sent to the Supreme Court.

The head of the investigative department of the anti-corruption agency also reported that these budget funds were intended for providing military personnel with clothing and provisions, for border security, and ensuring safety in the country, but were embezzled by civil servants and officials of the Ministry of Defense, as well as other ministries and agencies, including the Audit Chamber and the Ministry of Finance, etc.

Nasriddin Nizomzoda stated that criminal cases have been initiated against 52 individuals in this matter and sent to court for further consideration, while preliminary investigations into some cases are ongoing. Of the total amount exceeding 123 million somoni, 93 million somoni have already been reimbursed to the state budget, noted Nizomzoda.

The discovery of embezzlement of budget funds in the structures of the Ministry of Defense comes at a time when military personnel are complaining about the lack of favorable conditions and low-quality food products, as well as the absence of military footwear and uniforms.