Deputy governor of Andijan region detained during sting operation involving $50,000 land bribery scheme

Uzbekistan law enforcement detains Andijan deputy governor Isomidin Ismanov over an alleged $50,000 bribe for illegal land allocation in the Babur area.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 7:48 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Kun.uz

Apprehension of a Senior Regional Official

A significant anti-corruption operation has resulted in the detention of Isomidin Ismanov, a deputy governor for the Andijan region. Law enforcement sources confirm that Ismanov was taken into custody at his residence while allegedly receiving $50,000 in cash. The operation, conducted by the State Security Service on April 4, targeted the official’s involvement in a sophisticated scheme to manipulate state-controlled resources for private gain.

Mechanics of the Land Allocation Scheme

Investigators allege that Ismanov sought the substantial payment in exchange for securing 20 acres of state-owned land in the Babur area for a private individual. The proposed arrangement involved a multi-step process of administrative manipulation, including the staged auctioning of the territory through the regional construction and housing authority. According to the investigation, the deputy governor promised to ensure the land was registered in the buyer’s name while also securing all necessary development and construction permits.

The Role of the State Security Service

The arrest was the direct result of a proactive sting operation triggered by a complaint filed by the prospective buyer involved in the transaction. By coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies, the State Security Service was able to intercept the transfer of funds and apprehend Ismanov at the scene. Following the operation, a formal criminal case was opened on April 5, citing various articles of the national criminal code pertaining to the abuse of official power and attempted bribery.