DUSHANBE, January 17, Asia-Plus -- Director of Dushanbe Technical College Rahimjon Saidov was detained on January 15 on suspicion of having been involved in corruption, Dushanbe Prosecutor Qurbonali Muhabbatov said in an exclusive interview with Asia-Plus.  

According to him, Saidov abusing office demanded 300 somonis from a person providing food service at the college.  

Rahimjon Saidov had served as the college director since 2005.  He was awarded the Ismoili Somoni Order.   

“Saidov faces charges under Article 314 of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code (abuse of office) and the city prosecutor’s office is investigating Saidov’s case,” Muhabbatov said.  

According to Tajik Prosecutor-General’s Office, more than 150 corruption-related crimes were reported in Tajikistan last year; 49 of them related to bribery.  Nearly 530,000 somonis and $1.56 million were recovered in favor of state from the revealed corruption-related crimes.