The former head of Uzbekneftegaz denied the charges against him and gave evidence on 19 episodes of the case.

**Former head of Uzbekneftegaz denies charges, gives testimony on 19 episodes of the case**

Former chairman of the board of Uzbekneftegaz JSC Bakhodirjon Sidikov denied the charges against him in court and gave detailed testimony on 19 episodes of the case. He explained the company's decisions by the need to support gas production, the implementation of government decisions, obligations to foreign creditors and investors, as well as commercial disputes with contractors. The second session of the Yashnabad District Court for Criminal Cases was held on July 31 (the first was on July 24). A Gazeta correspondent who attended this court session will describe the main aspects of the hearing.

The court has not yet evaluated either the arguments of the state prosecutor or the testimony of the defendants. The following are not the facts established by the court, but the positions expressed by the parties in an open court session.

In accordance with the presumption of innocence, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure provided for by law and established by a court verdict that has entered into legal force.

Along with Bakhodirjon Sidiqov, the following are also involved in this case: Ulugbek Usmonov, a representative of Enter Engineering; Nodirjon Boboyev, a representative of Eriell Management; Bakhtiyor Anarkulov, a former deputy chairman of the board of Uzbekneftegaz; Dilmurod Burhonov, head of the company's procurement department; and Dilshod Hakberdiyev, head of the Special Energy Gas enterprise under Uzbekneftegaz. Also among the defendants are Alisher Ochilov, head of Oilgasservisinvest; Hamidulla Asatov, head of Petromaruz Uzbekistan; and Masudjon Hoshimov, head of Oil Ravon Servis.

The trial is being held under the chairmanship of Judge Jasurbek Ubaydullayev.

At the beginning of the session, the judge announced that four new lawyers had joined the proceedings. Some of them will represent the interests of persons whose property rights may be violated in the course of the case.

The session discussed the properties seized during the investigation. In particular, Lexus, Lee Auto L9, BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars were mentioned. One of the lawyers also reported that 15 real estate objects belonging to one of the defendants were seized. According to the defense, some of the houses were registered in the names of the defendant's children, spouse, nephew and assistant. The lawyer noted that some of the objects were inherited, while others were purchased with funds transferred from Russia.

The defense proposed to first take testimony from the claimants to the seized property, and then move on to the witnesses. The prosecutor, on the contrary, considered it necessary to first question the main witnesses.

The court recognized some of the property owners or claimants as civil defendants. This allows them to participate in court sessions without appearing as witnesses and to protect their property interests in the process.

Bakhodirjon Sodikov's lawyer drew the court's attention to the fact that his client was a deputy of the Kungirat District Council of People's Deputies at the time of his arrest. The defense argued that a motion from the Prosecutor General and the consent of the Jokargi Kenes of Karakalpakstan were required to bring the deputy to criminal responsibility, detain him, or take him into custody. The lawyer said that Sidikov was arrested in January, when his deputy powers were still intact. According to him, the relevant decision was considered later in the session, and Sidikov's deputy powers were officially terminated only on June 15. The defense believes that the detention and taking of statements during this period were carried out in violation of the deputy's immunity. In this regard, the lawyer requested that the evidence collected before the lifting of immunity be declared inadmissible.

The judge announced that the issue of the admissibility of this evidence would be considered later, after studying the relevant materials. The court did not rule on the motion at this stage of the proceedings.

After considering organizational issues, the prosecutor began reading the indictment. State prosecutor Bakhodirjon Sidikov stated that he allegedly formed a group to embezzle Uzbekneftegaz's property and state funds, led it, and distributed tasks among the participants. According to the investigation, the participants in the alleged scheme prepared documents for projects that they knew in advance were unpromising, provided unreliable information to state bodies, overstated the cost of equipment, works, and services, and also transferred money for work that was not performed or partially performed. The accusation also concerns failure to take measures to collect receivables, transfer of oil and gas assets, and financing projects that, in the opinion of the investigation, will not yield the expected results.

The above is the position of the prosecution, which must be verified by the court. The guilt of the defendants has not been established by a court verdict that has entered into legal force.

Reading out the indictment, the prosecutor mentioned the amount of about 2.4 trillion soums embezzled in 2020-2025, according to the version of the indictment. The total damage caused to Uzbekneftegaz was estimated at 7.8 trillion soums. How these amounts are related to each other and whether they include the same episodes or not was not separately explained during the court session.

Since the defendants and their lawyers had previously familiarized themselves with the indictment, the defense requested that it not be read out in full. After there were no objections, the court allowed the prosecutor to read out the main episodes and articles of the Criminal Code.

Bakhodirjon Sidiqov was charged under Articles 167 (Plunder by embezzlement or embezzlement), 205 (Abuse of power or official authority), 209 (Forgery of official authority) and 243 (Laundering of proceeds from criminal activity) of the Criminal Code. Bakhtiyor Anorkulov was charged under Articles 167, 205 and 209 of the Criminal Code, and Dilmurod Burhonov was charged under Articles 167 and 209 of the Criminal Code. Other defendants, including Dilshod Hakberdiev, Ulugbek Usmonov, Alisher Ochilov, Hamidulla Asatov and Masudjon Hoshimov, were charged under Articles 167 and 209 of the Criminal Code under Article 28 (Participation in a Crime).

After the indictment was read out, the judge asked the defendants whether they admitted or not to their guilt.

Bakhodirjon Sidiqov stated that he did not fully admit to his guilt and did not join the charges. During the court hearing, he emphasized that he did not commit any robbery and acted in the interests of the company. He devoted the main part of his speech to explaining the economic and production-related reasons for the decisions made.

Bakhtiyor Anorkulov, Dilmurod Burhonov, Dilshod Hakberdiyev, Ulugbek Usmanov, Hamidulla Asatov, Masudjon Hoshimov and Nodirjon Boboyev also denied the charges against them.

Bakhodirjon Sidiqov was the first to testify and provided a detailed explanation of all 19 episodes of the indictment.

**Episode 1: Sale of a stake in Jizzakh Petroleum**

The first episode concerns the sale of a stake in Jizzakh Petroleum, which later became part of SANEG. The Jizzakh Petroleum joint venture was established in June 2017 by Uzbekneftegaz and Gas Project Development Central Asia (a subsidiary of Gazprom International). According to the indictment, the initial price of the 49% stake exceeded $80 million. It was transferred to the Cypriot company Belvor, which is affiliated with SANEG, for $10 million, with the buyer still to pay the remaining $71 million.

According to Sidiqov, the initial deal was concluded in June 2021, when he was not yet the chairman of Uzbekneftegaz. According to him, he did not participate in developing the terms of the deal and did not sign the initial agreement. The defendant stated that the main subject of disagreements was the value of the stake. KPMG (one of the "big four" of the largest auditing and consulting companies in the world) valued it at about $87 million, Deloitte (another company in the "big four") - at 1 soum, and PwC, which was involved later - at $15.1 million.

According to Sidiqov, the investigation is assessing the difference of about $71 million as damage. He called this not a stolen amount, but the result of a dispute between Uzbekneftegaz and the foreign buyer Belvor over the value of the asset. Despite the fact that the transfer of the stake was stipulated by a government resolution, the transaction remained unfinished for almost a year and a half. Sidiqov noted that after his appointment to the leadership, he only ensured the implementation of this resolution. According to him, Uzbekneftegaz appealed to the economic court due to the buyer's failure to fulfill its payment obligations.

Recall that in 2021, Uzbekneftegaz concluded an agreement to transfer its 49% stake in Jizzakh Petroleum to another person, transferring it to the Cypriot offshore company Belvor Holding Limited.

**Episode 2: Transfer of 106 oil and gas fields to SANEG**

The following episodes are related to the transfer of 106 oil and gas fields to SANEG and the formalization of their cadastral documents. According to the indictment, the fields were initially given for temporary use without full formalization of the contracts, and then they were intended to be sold with installments over a period of 10 years. The investigation believes that the assets were sold for about 90 billion soums less than their justified value, and the payment schedule was later simplified.

Sodikov stated that the transfer of assets was provided for in a Cabinet of Ministers resolution adopted before his appointment to the position. He denied that the value of the fields was reduced as a result of the new assessment. According to him, only the tax part of the transaction changed when the VAT rate was reduced from 15 percent to 12 percent. Therefore, the difference in the amounts of $9.6 million, which the prosecution refers to, is not considered damage from a decrease in the value of the property.

He explained the delay in the final settlement by the fact that the government decision initially provided for payment in 10-year installments. According to Sidikov, the change in the payment frequency from one month to six months also took into account the restrictions imposed by Uzbekneftegaz's international creditors. He noted that the company was in a difficult financial situation and had to comply with covenants on external loans. The possibilities of attracting new financing were limited to about $50 million per year, which, according to him, did not even cover the company's monthly expenses.

In addition, the investigation draws attention to the fact that the rights to part of the fields were not re-registered in a timely manner. Ayblov noted that for this reason, in 2023-2025, Uzbekneftegaz paid land tax in the amount of approximately 10.4 billion soums on behalf of SANEG. Sidikov stated that he did not act in the interests of a private company. According to him, Uzbekneftegaz has filed lawsuits with the courts to collect receivables.

**Episode 3: Expansion of the Shurtan Gas and Chemical Complex and the Ark Chemical Joint Venture**

One of the largest episodes is related to the project to expand the Shurtan Gas and Chemical Complex and the establishment of the Ark Chemical Joint Venture. After the GTL plant was commissioned in December 2021, the president launched the construction of a new complex to triple the capacity of the Shurtan GKM. The project cost was estimated at $1.84 billion, of which $629 million was to be financed by Uzbekneftegaz's own funds and another $1.21 billion by foreign loans. The project to expand the Shurtan GKM, worth more than $1 billion, had been under implementation since 2018. The contractor was Enter Engineering, to which an advance payment of 693.7 billion soums was made.

In August 2022, after a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, it was decided to merge the project with a larger MTO complex in the Bukhara region. The Ark Chemical company was established to implement the industrial cluster. According to the indictment, Uzbekneftegaz's share in the joint company was 40 percent, and the private partner received a 60 percent share, but did not make the intended contribution. The investigation estimated the damage caused to the state interests in this case at 7.8 trillion soums.

Sidikov did not agree with this calculation. He noted that the investigation actually shows the investment processes in the unfinished industrial project as losses. According to Sidikov, Uzbekneftegaz invested assets or investments, the value of which was estimated by PwC at about $ 416 million. The foreign partner was supposed to provide a 60% stake - about $ 660 million. Sidikov admitted that these obligations were not fully fulfilled, but attributed this to the investor's financial difficulties, including problems that arose after the start of Russia's war against Ukraine (the investor has "Russian roots" and attracted financing from Gazprom in the amount of $ 200 million).

At the same time, according to him, equipment has been ordered, work on the site has continued, and in 2024 a ceremony to launch construction was held with the participation of the head of state. It was planned to fully formalize the partner's contribution after the completion of construction - by 2028. Sidikov noted that the participation of the American company Air Products confirmed the viability of the project and the possibility of attracting international partners. He estimated the total cost of the Ark Chemical project at about $ 1 billion, and the entire MTO complex at $ 5.5 billion. In response to questions from the parties, he added that Uzbekneftegaz is a minority participant with a 40% stake and cannot independently control the decisions of the owner of the 60% stake, stop its expenses or force it to accelerate investment.

**Episode 4: Obligations to Air Products under the Uzbekistan GTL Project**

The next episode concerns obligations to Air Products under the Uzbekistan GTL project. According to Sidiqov, more than 2,400 defects and shortcomings were identified after the plant was completed. About 50 serious defects were found in three main units, including the air distribution equipment. According to him, this is why the plant was operating at about 72 percent of its capacity.

The defendant said that the failure to meet the indicators stipulated in the loan agreements created the risk of early repayment of about $ 2.4 billion. The Ministry of Economy and Finance acted as a guarantor for the obligations, so the financial burden could fall on the state. An agreement was signed with Air Products to resolve the problem. In May 2023, the Uzbek government signed a $1 billion investment agreement with the company to develop an industrial gas processing facility at the Uzbekistan GTL plant in Kashkadarya region.

According to Air Products President and CEO Seyfi Gasem, the company owns and operates two air separation units, two autothermal reformers, and one hydrogen production unit at the GTL complex. It also supplies oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and synthesis gas on a long-term basis under a take-or-pay/fixed-payment agreement with Uzbekneftegaz. Uzbekneftegaz provides raw materials, natural gas, and utilities, and sells all products.

Once the defects are eliminated, it was planned to transfer the three main units to an American company. Enter Engineering was responsible for their repair. According to Sidiqov, neither the contractor nor Uzbekneftegaz had free funds for urgent repairs. Air Products agreed to finance the work, Enter Engineering was to pay in three installments, and Uzbekneftegaz acted as a guarantor.

After the contractor failed to make a payment of $21.8 million, the state-owned company settled with Air Products. Sidiqov noted that refusing to fulfill the guarantee could damage Uzbekistan's reputation among international investors and lead to claims from creditors. According to him, before transferring the money, he notified the Presidential Administration and obtained permission. It was planned to settle Enter Engineering's debt at the expense of the parties' mutual obligations for other work, including drilling and geological exploration. Sidikov stressed that this decision was made not to provide unjustified profits to the contractor, but to maintain the project and the trust of foreign investors.

**Episode 5: Construction of a compression compressor station at the "Southern Tandircha" field**

Another episode concerns the construction of a compression compressor station at the "Southern Tandircha" field. Work was supposed to begin in June 2021 and be completed by the end of that year. Sidikov specifically noted that he was appointed head of Uzbekneftegaz in March 2023, and therefore did not participate in the selection of the contractor and the conclusion of the initial contract.

By the fall of 2023, the project had still not been completed. However, in order to provide the population and the economy with additional gas, it was necessary to commission the station before the winter season. Sidiqov approved the rapid schedule and agreed to allocate 8.8 billion soums for the purchase of equipment, spare parts and other components. He noted that the funds were allocated not in excess of the project cost, but within the amounts previously withheld under the contract with the contractor. According to the defendant, these actions allowed the completion of the work and the commissioning of the station. Therefore, he considers the amount provided not as a loss, but as the costs of restoring the suspended project.

**Episode 6: Expensive equipment of the compressor station at the Surgil field**

In the episode regarding the Surgil field, the accusation concerns the expensive equipment of the compressor station. According to Sidiqov, the formation pressure in the field was initially about 200 atmospheres, but later dropped to 6 atmospheres. Therefore, the continuation of production depended on the operation of the compressor station.

He denied the claim that the engine, worth about 111.7 billion soums, did not exist or was stolen. According to Sidikov, the equipment was delivered and installed. He said that there were photographs and reports confirming this. He also noted that he personally saw the engine when he went to Surgil with the prime minister. However, an accident occurred in June 2025. According to the court, it is expected to be returned in September 2026. Sidikov stressed that he did not sign a contract for the supply of equipment. According to him, the existence of the engine and its subsequent accident dispel the assumption that the non-existent equipment was stolen.

**Episode 7: Purchase of two gas generator AI engines**

Another episode is related to the purchase of two gas generator AI engines with a total cost of about 162.5 billion soums. According to Sidikov, about 100 such engines are used in the Uzbekneftegaz system. Since their operating resource is about 25 thousand hours, it is necessary to periodically repair or replace the equipment. According to him, the company's annual need is 10-15 units.

Previously, the engines were supplied from the Ukrainian company MotorSich, but due to problems with delivery, it was decided to create a reserve of 8 units. Two engines were purchased from Enter Engineering. According to Sidikov, one of them is working. The second one worked for about a week - about 180 hours - and then broke down. He admitted that there was an issue with the warranty period: the engine was stored in a warehouse for some time and the warranty period may have expired. However, the defendant called the incident not theft, but a commercial dispute over quality and warranty.

"We did not steal money, we tried to provide the population with gas," said Bakhodirjon Sidikov. He also reported that the contract was signed by his deputy, and the technical supervision of the project was carried out by the relevant department of the company.

**Episode 8: Transfer of diesel fuel at the "Gazli" underground gas storage facility**

Another episode is related to the transfer of diesel fuel to the Enter Engineering company for the operation of special equipment at the "Gazli" underground gas storage facility. According to Sidikov, the contractor was actually transferred fuel worth about 3.8 billion soums. Enter Engineering initially did not pay for this, but the contract provided for a 90-day period for voluntary repayment of the debt. After the deadline, Uzbekneftegaz appealed to the economic court, requesting the recovery of the debt, penalties and other accrued payments.

According to Sidikov, the investigation is trying to criminalize the civil legal relationship between the customer and the contractor. According to him, the statute of limitations was not missed, and Enter Engineering later fully reimbursed the debt.

**Episode 9: Advance payment to the Special Energy Gas Enterprise for the implementation of the project at the Zhanubiy Kemachi field**

The tenth episode is related to the advance payment to the Special Energy Gas Enterprise for the implementation of the project at the Zhanubiy Kemachi field. The contract value was about 167 billion soums, and the advance payment was 54.7 billion soums, or about 30 percent. According to Sidikov, the technical and economic calculations were carried out by the design institute of Uzbekneftegaz.

The defendant denied the claim that the project was unpromising from the start. He explained that the advance payment was necessary to order equipment and begin preparatory work. Later, after additional analysis, it was decided to suspend construction. Experts concluded that the gas could be extracted using the existing compressor station at the neighboring Kokdumalak oil and gas condensate field.

According to Sidiqov, this decision saved several million dollars and was therefore made in the interests of the company. After the contractor did not return the advance, Uzbekneftegaz went to court in September 2025. The funds were later deposited in the deposit account of the Prosecutor General's Office. Sidiqov noted that the money was not cashed out, and the damage was fully compensated.

**Episode 10: Funds related to SpecialEnergoGas**

Episode 11 also relates to SpecialEnergoGas. The amount of funds transferred amounted to about 31.4 billion soums. Due to the decrease in formation pressure, it was required to build a compressor station to extend the life of the Kultak field until 2044. Work has not begun, because it was necessary to conduct technical measurements first. This information was needed by both the contractor and the foreign manufacturer of the equipment to be installed at the station.

The defendant rejected the assumption that the management deliberately did not collect the advance payment, intending to write off the debt later. According to him, the statute of limitations was supposed to expire at the end of 2028. Sidikov also said that during his time at Uzbekneftegaz, an automated system was introduced to generate applications for receivables. After that, the legal department sent the materials to the court. According to the defendant, the funds for this project were also transferred to the deposit account of the Prosecutor General's Office. He once again denied the assumption that these funds were cashed or legalized.

**Episode 11: Geology project for gas exploration at the Toti-Maydan field in Afghanistan**

Episode 12 concerns the Geology project for gas exploration at the Toti-Maydan field in Afghanistan. One of the arguments of the prosecution, according to Sidiqov, is the lack of a ready-made feasibility study (TIA). The defendant objected to this, stating that it was impossible to draw up a full-fledged TIA until preliminary geological exploration work was carried out and information about reserves was obtained.

According to him, against the backdrop of a decrease in gas production in the country, Uzbekneftegaz prepared a proposal for gas exploration and production in Afghanistan and submitted it to the Cabinet of Ministers. The project was posted on the state portal and supported by the government. A company was established to implement the project. The Afghan side demanded a guarantee deposit of $24 million in a local bank. Another $2 million is planned to be allocated for preliminary work, including road construction and site preparation.

Sidikov noted that Uzbekneftegaz was to receive a 60% stake, and the remaining 40% was to be received by two other investors. The state company provided Eriell with a loan of $24 million at an annual interest rate of 14% for placement in an Afghan bank. The feasibility study was planned to be prepared by the end of 2026, after preliminary geological exploration work was carried out. According to Sidikov, the project could ensure gas supplies from Afghanistan and contribute to Uzbekistan’s energy security.

**Episode 12: Sale of two administrative buildings to Anorbank**

Sidikov combined episodes 13 and 14. They concerned the sale of two administrative buildings to Anorbank, which, according to the indictment, were sold at a reduced price. The estimated damage was estimated at about 58 billion soums. Sidikov recalled that the government had announced the future relocation of state bodies and organizations to New Tashkent. The construction of the new administrative center was planned to be partially financed by the sale of old buildings.

We are talking about the facilities located at 21 Istiqbol Street (a building belonging to a subsidiary of Uzbekneftegaz, where the Ministry of Energy was located) and 85A Shahrisabz Street (the former Uztransgaz building). According to Sidiqov, several buyers have expressed interest in the buildings. Anorbank founder Kahramonjon Olimov said that the bank is ready to buy both facilities at a price determined by the appraisers.

When an open auction was held, the buildings could have gone to different buyers, but the bank needed both facilities due to its large number of employees. Based on a government resolution, they were sold directly: the Uzbekneftegaz building for approximately 254 billion soums, and the Uztransgaz building for 185 billion soums. The defendant stated that the funds received were transferred in full to the New Tashkent Construction Directorate. Sidiqov called another 12 billion soums related to the repair of one of the buildings mentioned in the indictment as debts for previously performed work. He also stated that the Cabinet of Ministers had the right to authorize a direct sale or a closed auction, since the relevant powers were granted by a presidential decree.

**Episode 13: Sale of the Zharqurgonneft asset to Petromaruz Uzbekistan**

Episode 15 is related to the sale of the Zharqurgonneft asset to Petromaruz Uzbekistan. The indictment mentions about 254 billion soums. Sidiqov said that the deal was concluded before he was appointed to the position. The government's decision provided for the sale of the object with the condition of payment in installments over a period of five years.

The valuation was carried out by several companies, including Ernst & Young. Sidikov rejected the claim about the unreasonable difference between the estimates. After the buyer failed to fulfill its payment obligations, Uzbekneftegaz went to court. The court ruled to recover 72.6 billion soums and penalties. Sidikov also commented on the claims that Petromaruz money was subsequently transferred to the accounts of other private enterprises. According to him, Uzbekneftegaz could not control how the private company would dispose of its funds. He noted that the transaction was based on a decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, and the failure to make payment by the buyer led to an economic dispute and recovery through the courts.

**Episode 14: Involvement of the Russian company "Energiya Neftegazovogo Servis" (ENGS) in drilling work at the "Berdak" field**

Episode 16 is related to the involvement of the Russian company "Energiya Neftegazovogo Servis" (ENGS) in drilling work at the "Berdak" field. According to the testimony, the prosecution is comparing the cost of the Russian contractor's work with the calculations of "Uzneftgaz Bor'ilash Ishary" (a company under "Uzbekneftegaz"). The local company estimated the work at approximately 59.8 billion soums, while the foreign company estimated it at 106 billion soums.

Sidikov said that the terms of the offers were different. "Uzneftgaz Bor'ilash Ishary" planned to drill the well in approximately 200 days, while the Russian company promised to complete it in 90 days. In addition, the contractor attracted financing from Russia, offered to pay in six-month installments and offered to make payments in rubles. Sidikov explained the need to attract an external company by the lack of its own capacity. According to him, Uzneftegazburgilash had 23 drilling rigs, while the annual plan provided for drilling about 100 wells. The defendant noted that the goal was not to create a price difference in order to make money, but to speed up the work and increase the volume of production.

During the prosecutor's questions, it became clear that the promised 90-day period was not met: in fact, the work lasted about 197 days, which is almost the same as the period provided for in the schedule of the local company. Sidikov said that when choosing a contractor, not only the announced deadlines were evaluated, but also its previous results, technical capabilities and sources of financing. He noted that the drilling operations carried out allowed for the extraction of about 6 billion cubic meters of gas, which helped to partially cover the demand for the winter season. The court has yet to verify this evidence and its connection with a specific contract.

**Episode 15: Delivery of pipes by the Oil Ravon Servis company**

Episode 17 concerns the delivery of pipes worth approximately 37.1 billion soums by the Oil Ravon Servis company. Sidikov stated that the purchase began before his appointment to the position: the product was listed on the stock exchange in January 2023, the contract was concluded in February, and he was appointed chairman of Uzbekneftegaz in March. Therefore, he responded to the claim of alleged collusion in the selection of the supplier and the conclusion of the contract, stating that it was "physically and legally" impossible to organize this.

Sidikov also denied the claim that the delivery was fake. According to him, the pipes were actually delivered, inspected and accepted by the commission, and the availability of the products was confirmed by acts and employee instructions. Later, the supplier demanded the recovery of about 20 billion soums in principal and about 10 billion soums in penalties. In August 2023, the parties concluded a mediation agreement. The defendant called this episode not a embezzlement of funds, but a dispute over payment for the pipes actually delivered.

**Episode 16: Repair of turbine equipment and the Oilgasservisinvest company**

Episode 18 is related to the repair of turbine equipment and the Oilgasservisinvest company. The estimated amount of damage is estimated at about 15.1 billion soums. According to Sidiqov, Uzbekneftegaz initially planned to contact Siemens, but the company could start repair work only after eight months. Due to the need to commission the equipment more quickly, another German company, Chemie Elektronik (whose interests were protected by Oilgasservisinvest), was found, which promised to complete the work within three months for about 13 billion soums.

According to Sidikov, his deputy was engaged in the project, it was he who agreed on the terms and signed the contract. According to the former chairman, he did not interfere in these decisions. The contractor did not complete the work within the specified time. In September and December, Uzbekneftegaz sent objections, after which it went to court, demanding the recovery of about 15.5 billion soums and about 4 billion soums in penalties. After the criminal case was initiated, more than 15 billion soums were transferred to the deposit account of the Prosecutor General's Office. Sidikov noted that the money was returned, and this situation should be considered not as irreparable damage to the state, but as a failure to fulfill contractual obligations.

**Episode 17: Legalization of proceeds from criminal activity**

The last, episode 19, is related to Article 243 of the Criminal Code - legalization of proceeds from criminal activity. According to Sidikov, the investigation has seized about 20 real estate objects and 4 cars related to him and his relatives. He said that the list includes property not only of close family members, but also of distant relatives, relatives of the same name, and people he does not know. According to him, part of the real estate was purchased in 2014-2018 and in 2022, that is, before he was appointed chairman of the board of Uzbekneftegaz. Sidikov denied the claim by the investigation that this property was acquired at the expense of proceeds from the crimes charged against him.

After the main part of the testimony was completed, the prosecutor and lawyers asked Sidikov questions about certain episodes. The state prosecutor asked him to clarify why the Russian contractor, who promised to drill a well within 90 days, actually worked for about 197 days. Sidikov again pointed to the set of terms of the contract - the company's experience, technical capabilities and allocated financing. "This is like comparing the price of home-cooked polka dot with polka dot ordered in a restaurant," he said, referring to the difference in the cost of the works.

The parties also returned to the issue of the valuation of the transferred deposits. Sidikov reiterated that the value of the assets had not changed, and the difference in the calculations appeared after the VAT rate was reduced. The lawyer asked a clarifying question about who made the decisions on the transfer of property. The defendant said that the list of assets and the terms of their sale were approved by government resolutions.

In the Ark Chemical project, Sidikov once again emphasized that Uzbekneftegaz owned only a 40 percent stake and could not determine the actions of the majority partner alone. He also said that gas production plans for the coming year were drawn up in collaboration with Schlumberger specialists. The plans specified where production could be increased, how many wells should be drilled, when compressor stations would be commissioned, and what technical measures were needed to implement the plan. According to the defendant, these forecasts served as the basis for attracting contractors and financing the projects.

Sidikov also stated that during the discussion of projects and contracts with Enter Engineering, the Russian Energiya Neftegazovogo Servis, and Eriell, he directly communicated with the beneficiary of these companies, Bakhtiyor Fozilov. According to him, he does not know what role Ulugbek Usmanov, a representative of Enter Engineering, whose name is mentioned in the case, played in the projects under consideration and did not see him participating in negotiations or decision-making.

During one of the breaks, an assistant judge approached the Gazeta correspondent, clarified his identity and said that coverage of the trial was allegedly prohibited. The journalist reported that he had attended a previous court session and had already published material about the progress of the case. The court had previously restricted photo, video and audio recordings, but had not banned text coverage of the open trial. After the assistant judge informed the judge of the journalist’s presence, the presiding judge clarified his identity and called for careful publication of the information. At the same time, the judge stated that he could not prohibit coverage of the session due to the fact that the trial was open and there was freedom of the media. After that, some lawyers opposed the publication of the testimonies of the participants in the case.

The case is still under consideration. The court must still examine the documents, question the remaining defendants and witnesses, verify the amount of damage caused, and provide a legal assessment of the arguments of the prosecution and defense. Until the process is completed, the allegations of embezzlement, abuse of power, falsification of projects, and legalization of income remain the prosecution's version of events that must be verified by the court. Sidiqov's explanations that the decisions were based on economic necessity, that government decisions were implemented, and that there were civil law disputes have not yet been given a legal assessment by the court.

The next court hearing was held on August 7.