Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The head of a department within the Coordination Directorate of Internal Affairs Bodies (CDIAB) of Tashkent’s Mirabad District, Lieutenant Colonel U.S., has been detained on charges of fraud and bribery, the State Security Service (SSS) of Uzbekistan reported.

The operation was carried out jointly with the General Prosecutor’s Office.

According to the SSS, the police officer promised relatives of a suspect in a criminal case—initiated under Article 273 of the Criminal Code (illegal trafficking of narcotic substances with intent to distribute)—that he could help change the suspect’s pretrial detention to bail. The case was being handled by the Internal Affairs Department of the Yakkasaray District.

In exchange for his assistance, a relative of the accused handed over $18,000 to the lieutenant colonel. However, the promise was not fulfilled. When the official later attempted to return part of the money, he was caught red-handed.

A criminal case has been opened against him under Articles 168 (fraud) and 211 (bribery) of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code. The officer is currently in custody, and investigative actions are ongoing.