Uzbekistan has adopted sweeping amendments to its anti-corruption legislation, creating an electronic registry of people convicted of corruption offenses, expanding criminal liability, and imposing new restrictions on those found guilty.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the law on June 22 as part of the government’s broader campaign to strengthen accountability and reduce corruption across the public sector. Officials say the reforms are intended to reinforce what the law describes as an “intolerant attitude toward corruption” throughout society.
One of the most significant changes is the creation of an electronic register of individuals convicted of corruption-related crimes. The Ministry of Internal Affairs must enter a person’s details into the registry within three working days after a guilty verdict becomes legally binding. Their information will remain there for the duration of their criminal record.
Those listed in the registry will face a series of restrictions. They will be barred from entering the civil service, receiving state awards, standing for elected office or certain appointed positions, serving on public advisory councils, and holding senior posts in state-owned enterprises or public educational institutions. Companies in which a convicted individual owns more than 50% of the shares will also be prohibited from participating in public procurement and public-private partnership projects.
The amendments also expand criminal liability for corruption-related offenses. Harsher penalties now apply to crimes committed through abuse of official position, by organized groups, or using information technologies and computer systems. The law introduces tougher punishment for officials who deliberately fail to act for personal gain and strengthens penalties for procurement-related violations.
Beyond criminal sanctions, the legislation requires state bodies and organizations to identify positions with a high risk of corruption, regularly assess corruption risks, and develop measures to reduce them. The Anti-Corruption Agency, working together with the Ministry of Justice, will oversee the methodology used for these assessments and maintain a nationwide corruption risk map based on crime statistics, enforcement practices, public opinion surveys, and other official data.
The reforms also seek to encourage whistleblowing. Employees who report corruption within their own government institution cannot face disciplinary action for two years without prior notification to the Anti-Corruption Agency. The law also guarantees state incentives for whistleblowers, including one-time financial rewards, certificates of appreciation, commemorative gifts, or other forms of recognition permitted by law.
In addition, employees responsible for compliance and internal anti-corruption controls in state institutions will receive enhanced legal protections, including special procedures governing searches, questioning, detention, and criminal investigations involving them.
In May 2026, The Times of Central Asia reported that the government had introduced mandatory anti-corruption reviews for major investment projects worth at least $50 million. Under those rules, large public investments must undergo corruption risk assessments before moving forward, as authorities seek to strengthen oversight of public spending and major development initiatives.
