Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Agency has launched an official probe after reports emerged that local officials included their children in delegations sent to China, raising questions about possible abuse of official authority.

A special investigative team has been dispatched to the Kattakurgan and Koshrabad districts in the Samarkand region to examine the circumstances highlighted in media reports. The inquiry follows revelations that heads of local administrations added relatives to official trips abroad, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Kattakurgan district head Jamshid Nasriddinov included his son, Ahmadjon Tolkinov, in a delegation visiting China on what was described as a working trip. Meanwhile, Koshrabad district head Dilshod Shakarboev reportedly sent his son-who had recently graduated from school-along with his driver and assistant.

Tolkinov confirmed his participation, stating that the visit was work-related and focused on negotiations over cotton harvesting equipment. He added that all travel expenses were covered personally by participants, not by public funds.

Officials from both district administrations also emphasized that the trip was privately financed.