DUSHANBE, February 4, 2013, Asia-Plus -- Ex-deputy of Tajikistan’s lower house (MajlisiNamoyandagon) of parliament, SaidvaliUzbekov, who is also ex-deputy governor of Khatlon province, has been arrested by Tajik law enforcement authorities, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service reports.

SaidvaliUzbekov, 52, who had been wanted by police since 2001, had been living in Dubai, Arab United Emirates (AUE) in recent years.

Uzbekov reportedly arrived in Dushanbe on the eve of New Year and he was questioned by investigators during several days.  Later, he was arrested and he is currently being held in one of the country’s pretrial detention facilities, RFE/RL’s Tajik Service said.

JamshedSangov, an investigator with the Prosecutor-General’s Office, is investigating Uzbekov’s case.  He refrained from giving any details of the case.

According to some data, Tajik law enforcement authorities charges Uzbekov with trafficking in precious stones.