Corruption Runs Deep in Uzbekistan’s Government and Economy

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A Culture of Corruption

Corruption has become an integral part of life in Uzbekistan, with criminal groups deeply entrenched within the government apparatus. Two alleged top criminal leaders hold high-ranking positions in the government, while law enforcement officials are often complicit in organized crime.

The Judiciary: A Rubber Stamp for Organized Crime

The judiciary is controlled by the executive branch and is ineffective at combating organized crime. Judges often rubber-stamp verdicts passed down by law enforcement agencies, making it difficult to hold criminals accountable.

Law Enforcement and Corruption

Police Extortion and Intimidation

The police force in Uzbekistan is notorious for extortion and intimidation, with low trust among the public. Border control officials are also involved in corruption, making it challenging to manage the country’s long and porous borders.

Banking Sector Transparency Issues

Uzbekistan’s banking sector operates in a non-transparent environment, lacking effective oversight and vulnerable to money laundering. Despite some efforts by the government to limit money laundering through legislation, these measures have been ineffective due to widespread corruption.

Economy and Business

Criminal Influence on Legitimate Businesses

Criminal groups exert significant influence over legitimate businesses in Uzbekistan’s economy. Bureaucratic processes remain a significant obstacle to entrepreneurship, making it difficult for new businesses to register and operate.

Civil Society and Human Rights

Harassment and Intimidation of Activists

Despite some improvements under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, civil society organizations and human rights activists continue to face harassment and intimidation. Media freedoms are severely limited, with censorship and surveillance rampant in the media sphere.

Transparency and International Cooperation

Small Steps Towards Transparency

The Uzbek government has taken small steps towards improving transparency, including introducing an online mechanism for citizens to report problems with the government and publishing its budget online. However, these measures have been insufficient to restore faith in the government and the democratic process.

International Cooperation Framework

Uzbekistan’s international cooperation framework has also improved, with the country ratifying several treaties related to organized crime and cooperating in extradition cases. However, significant tangible results have yet to be seen in combating transnational crime.

Conclusion

Overall, Uzbekistan remains one of the world’s most corrupt states, with a long way to go before it can be considered a legitimate democracy.