Official arrested for extorting bribes from villagers

A forestry service employee suspected of systematically extorting money from villagers has been arrested in the Gusar district, Report informs, citing the press service of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Azerbaijan. The criminal case was opened based on numerous citizen complaints.

The investigation established that Zahid Abuyev, a forestry inspector at the Khil forestry department of the 5th regional forestry center of the Forest Development Service under the Ministry of Ecology, abused his official powers and exceeded his duties while holding this position from 2016 to April 2025. According to the investigation, he repeatedly extorted money and other valuables from residents of the villages of Kirig, Jibir, and Lajat, threatening to report their alleged violations to the forestry department or the relevant authorities.

Based on the evidence collected, Zakhid Abuyev has been charged under Articles 308.1 (abuse of office), 309.1 (abuse of office), 311.3.2, and 311.3.4 (extortion and repeated bribe-taking) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Gusar District Court has ordered Abuyev’s pretrial detention.

The investigation is ongoing.

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