The press center of the Agency for State Financial Control and Combating Corruption under the President of Tajikistan reported on April 23 that the deputy head of Shahritous district in Khatlon province, Komiljon Mirzobadalzoda, was arrested on April 18 on suspicion of taking 5000 somonis from a local resident A.S. for exempting his son from military service.  

Mirzobadalzoda, who headed the district conscription commission, was reportedly caught red-handed when taking money from A.S. in his official car.  

Criminal proceedings have been instituted against Mirzobadalzoda under the provisions of Article 319 (2) of Tajikistan’s Penal Code -- receiving a bribe by an official in exchange for illegal actions; an investigation is under way. 

If convicted, Komiljon Mirzobadalzoda could face a prison term ranging from 3 to7 years or a fine in the amount from 394,200 somonis to 920,000 somonis.