Violations found in 200 tenders in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan

Violations were identified during an audit of 317 state procurements in Karakalpakstan, totaling 32.1 billion soums. This audit covered 345 tenders worth approximately 41 billion soums, among which signs of collusion between participants and customers were found.

According to information provided by the Committee for Competition Development and Consumer Protection, the inspections took place from January to June 2026. Specialists conducted a detailed analysis of the procurements and focused on 200 tenders worth 1.6 billion soums related to assessing the quality of road works and laboratory testing of building materials.

Signs of collusion were noted specifically in these procurements. It was established that companies distributed different regions among themselves, and some regularly participated in tenders together, which led to the same contractor winning.

Additional signs of collusion included the price proposals of the participants, as the applications showed identical and synchronized pricing approaches. During the study of documentation, other violations were also discovered: in some cases, laboratory test protocols were drawn up before the start of the tender and the signing of the contract. It was also noted that for a number of contracts, invoices were issued either on the day of registration with the Treasury or the next day.

Based on the inspection results, a special commission determined a violation of Article 29 of the Law 'On Competition,' which prohibits any actions that restrict competition. Responsible persons were issued mandatory orders to eliminate the identified violations and prevent their recurrence. Furthermore, administrative protocols were drawn up against officials responsible for the violations, and the relevant materials were sent to the courts.

Previously, it was reported that the tender for the purchase of medical equipment with an initial value of 14 billion soums was canceled after the Committee for Competition Development and Consumer Protection discovered inconsistencies in the terms of this tender.

The rules for the functioning of the Agency for Knowledge and Skills Assessment have been officially approved in Uzbekistan. According to the new regulations, this agency will oversee the conduct of exams, the issuance of national certificates, and the process of recognizing foreign diplomas.

The main tasks of the Agency include organizing various competitions and entrance examinations, as well as qualification tests. Corresponding national certificates will be issued based on the results of these tests. Agency specialists will also be responsible for developing assessment methodologies and criteria, as well as updating the database of test questions.

Special attention is paid to verifying knowledge of the state language among individuals applying for managerial or responsible positions. Furthermore, the Agency is authorized to accept educational documents obtained outside the country and to issue apostilles on diplomas and certificates.

The list of duties also includes conducting customized exams and strengthening ties with international structures. It was previously announced that the Agency will organize exams for primary school teachers, who, after receiving a national certificate, can expect a monthly salary increase.

Violations were discovered during state procurement processes in Uzbekistan, with a total value exceeding 25 billion soms. These violations affected the Jizzakh, Syrdarya, and Fergana regions and concerned the procurement of outsourcing services, goods, construction materials, and various types of work.

Details of violations in the Syrdarya region

The Committee for Competition Development and Consumer Rights reported that the largest incident was recorded in the Syrdarya region. Purchases by the branch of 'Syrdarya TPP' of JSC 'Issiqlik Electric Networks' totaling 22.5 billion soms were examined there. In this case, the territorial administration initiated proceedings and issued a mandatory directive to the customer.

Situation in the Jizzakh region

Violations were identified in several procurements in the Jizzakh region, totaling over 1.5 billion soms. These include the purchase of outsourcing services for the Arnasay District Medical Association for 588.3 million soms and for the regional tuberculosis dispensary for 420 million soms. Furthermore, inspections revealed violations in the acquisition of goods and materials for the regional specialized boarding school of arts amounting to 333.1 million soms. The procurement of construction materials by the Department of Preschool and School Education of the Dustlik district was also checked for 183.1 million soms.

According to the committee, participants were subjected to unsubstantiated requirements in these procurements, and the evaluation of applicants' bids was conducted incorrectly. Cases were initiated and corresponding directives were issued due to the violation of Article 29 of the Law 'On Competition'. Responsible officials also received administrative protocols, and the materials were sent to court.

Violations found in the Fergana region

Two more cases of violations were found in the Fergana region. Procurement in the Margilan improvement department, planned for 2025 and the period from January to April 2026, with an initial value of about 1.2 billion soms, was inspected. Additionally, violations were discovered in the procurement by the Buvaidin State Institution for Road Operation amounting to 275 million soms.

In both cases, the customers violated the norms of competition legislation when selecting the most favorable offer. Cases were initiated and mandatory directives were issued based on the inspection results. Administrative proceedings have begun against the officials under Part 5 of Article 178 of the Code of Administrative Liability, and the materials have been transferred to the court.

A similar incident previously occurred in the Namangan region: when purchasing heating boilers for educational institutions, LES brand boilers were acquired instead of ABS brand products. The Department under the Prosecutor General's Office established that this resulted in a loss of one billion soms for the budget, and a criminal case was initiated regarding the embezzlement.