Migration Agency under investigation over illegal salary payments exceeding UZS 1 billion
More than UZS 1 billion in budget funds was allegedly embezzled at the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers through unlawful salary payments, according to the Department under the Prosecutor General's Office.
The Migration Agency is currently under investigation for illicit salary disbursements amounting to over UZS 1 billion.
A preliminary inquiry by the Tashkent City Directorate of the department revealed that agency officials approved UZS 931.6 million in salary payments to two employees, identified as B.D. and N.A., for periods when they were not actively working.
Furthermore, the investigation uncovered that eight employees, who were under disciplinary sanctions, unlawfully received a total of UZS 88.5 million during the period their penalties were active, contravening the Labor Code.
Consequently, a criminal case has been initiated under Article 167 of the Criminal Code, pertaining to embezzlement or misappropriation through appropriation or waste. Investigative procedures are ongoing.
This is not the first time the Migration Agency has faced scrutiny; it was previously criticized for allegedly charging prospective workers traveling to South Korea service fees exceeding UZS 20 million.