The Anti-Corruption Agency of Tajikistan announced on April 16 the completion of an investigation into a police captain in the Varzob district suspected of bribery. According to the agency's press center, a citizen, S.T., filed a complaint regarding the actions of the police captain, F. Rahimzoda.
The plaintiff claimed that Captain Rahimzoda unlawfully demanded a bribe of 20,000 somoni (approximately $1800) to refrain from initiating a criminal case related to a traffic incident. An operational-investigative group apprehended Rahimzoda on February 12 while he was receiving the money as evidence.
A criminal case was initiated against Rahimzoda under Article 319 Part 1 (bribery) of the Criminal Code. Upon the completion of the preliminary investigation and the approval of the indictment, the case was referred to court. The punishment for Article 319 includes a fine or imprisonment for up to five years.
This development underscores Tajikistan's commitment to combating corruption within its law enforcement agencies, sending a strong message that such misconduct will not be tolerated.
