QURGHON TEPPA, September 18, 2010, Asia-Plus -- The Khatlon transportation prosecutor’s office has instituted criminal proceedings against senior officers from the customs and border control at the Qurghon Teppa airport.

The Khatlon transportation prosecutor Saidqadam Zoirov says the criminal proceedings were instituted following an application by 18 passengers on the July 17 Qurghon Teppa-Moscow flight.  “The passengers noted that the customs and border control officers had taken from them 2,000 Russian rubles, 115 somoni, seven kilograms of raisins and two melons,” the prosecutor said.

The criminal proceedings were instituted against the corrupt officers under the provision of Article 319 (1) of Tajikistan Penal Code – bribe taking, and an investigation is under way.