Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A high-profile court case in Andijan has concluded with the conviction of former senior officials from Andijan State University for embezzling more than 53.6 billion soums in government funds. According to a report by UzNews.uz, citing the court's verdict, the crimes took place over a four-year period, from 2019 to 2023.

Case materials revealed that a group of 13 university employees, including former rector A.Yu. and chief accountant A.M., systematically falsified financial documents and student signatures to appropriate state funds earmarked for scholarships, stipends, tuition payments, and dormitory housing.

The investigation identified five major episodes of embezzlement:

– 32 billion soums were stolen from the scholarship fund;
– 2.6 billion from funds allocated for student incentives;
– 14.4 billion from tuition payments;
– 2.6 billion from dormitory rental fees;
– 545 million through corrupt schemes linked to government procurement.

Chief accountant A.M. attracted particular attention during the investigation, having laundered part of the stolen funds by purchasing expensive assets, including a BMW X7 worth over 2 billion soums, which he registered under relatives’ names. He also transferred a deposit of 6.6 billion soums to an acquaintance of his son.

During the trial, A.M. partially admitted guilt, whereas former rector A.Yu. denied direct involvement, claiming he had trusted his subordinates and was unaware of financial matters. However, he acknowledged managerial shortcomings during his tenure.

The court found all defendants guilty. A.M. was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison, fined 310 base calculation units, and banned from holding public office for three years. A.Yu. received a similar fine and ban, along with a six-year prison sentence.

Other defendants were also given criminal sentences. To compensate for the damages, the accused transferred substantial sums to the State Security Service’s deposit account: A.M. paid 31 billion soums, accountant I.I. paid 5.1 billion, and A.Yu. contributed 1.1 billion. The remaining amount was covered by other participants.

Additionally, proceeds from the sale of seized property — including seven vehicles, a hotel, three residential homes, and various jewelry items — were allocated toward repaying the losses.