Another official is accused of receiving a bribe

An employee of the administration of the city of Panjakent in the Sughd region is suspected of fraud.

Photo: Internet

On February 22 of this year, the head of the department for religious affairs, regulation of traditions and celebrations of the city of Panjakent, Zokhir Mukiddinov, was detained by prosecutors.

According to Asia-Plus, the prosecutors of the city of Panjakent have initiated a criminal case against Mukiddinov under Article 319, Part 1 (accepting a bribe by a public official) of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan. He has currently been released on a written undertaking not to leave.

This article of the criminal code provides for a penalty of a fine ranging from 370,000 to 870,000 somoni or imprisonment for up to five years.

It is reported that Zokhir Mukiddinov has held this position for more than two years. His opinion or that of his relatives is not currently available.

This is not the first case where a public servant in the city of Panjakent has been detained for bribery and fraud.

Previously, the head of the youth and sports department of the Panjakent mayor’s office, Afzalshok Dustzoda, was suspected of embezzling state funds and fraud.

The city prosecutor’s office initiated a criminal case under Article 245 (embezzlement or misappropriation) and Article 247 (fraud) of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan.

Dustzoda paid a fine of 24,000 somoni and was banned from holding public office for one year.

Also, in January of this year, a 59-year-old employee of the local social protection and pensions department, Asad Mardonov, committed suicide. He was found hanged in his home on January 11 after a check and conversation with employees of the anti-corruption department. A criminal case was opened against him on charges of exceeding official authority.