A major corruption scheme involving the theft of water supply infrastructure has been exposed in Uzbekistan.

The case was uncovered in the Pskent District during a joint inspection by anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, along with compliance officers from the national water utility, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Investigators found that officials colluded to steal and embezzle nearly 14,800 meters of water pipes, with losses estimated at almost 3.8 billion soums from a project aimed at improving local water supply.

The violations were identified during measurements at the “Saganak” water facility in the Guliston district, revealing discrepancies between reported and actual infrastructure.

The head of the district water supply branch and other officials are suspected of involvement in the scheme.

A criminal case has been opened under charges of large-scale embezzlement, and investigations are ongoing to identify all those responsible.