What is the situation with the embezzlement of 125 million somoni?

Earlier, authorities reported the detention of dozens of military personnel from the ministry on suspicion of embezzling 125 million somoni, but the exact number of accused individuals and the fate of each of them remained unknown for a long time.

According to Radio Ozodi, the case of those accused of stealing 125 million somoni from the Ministry of Defense of Tajikistan has progressed.

On August 7, representatives of the Supreme Court of Tajikistan announced at a press conference that a criminal case has been initiated against 71 individuals in this matter. Among them, 28 are civilians and officials from other government structures, while 43 are military personnel and employees of the Ministry of Defense.

According to one of the deputy chairpersons of the Supreme Court, the amount stolen totaled 124 million 857 thousand 630 somoni. Of this amount, 108 million 344 thousand 108 somoni have already been returned, while more than 16 million have yet to be reimbursed.

Out of the 71 accused, only 9 individuals received actual prison sentences ranging from 5 to 15 years. The others avoided prison by returning the stolen funds or paying fines.

The chairperson of the Supreme Court clarified that the stolen money was intended for the food, clothing, and equipment of soldiers, but officials from the ministry used millions of somoni for personal interests.

At the same time, the situation with the food and clothing of soldiers in military units remains unsatisfactory — complaints about the lack of nutritious products regularly appear in the media and social networks.

State media do not cover this case to prevent the public from knowing about the large-scale embezzlement of budget funds by high-ranking officials, who then spend them on purchasing luxury apartments and expensive cars.