FORMER MINISTER OF DEFENSE STILL UNDER

C O N F I D E N T I A L TASHKENT 000798 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/21/2016 TAGS: PGOV PREL UZ SUBJECT: FORMER MINISTER OF DEFENSE STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION REF: A. TASHKENT 498 ¶B. TASHKENT 712 Classified By: JON R. PURNELL FOR REASONS 1.4 (B, D) ¶1. (C) During a recent embassy reception, Bekzod Yuldashev, the director of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, pulled the Ambassador aside to discuss the current status of his brother-in-law, former Defense Minister Kodir Gulomov. Yuldashev told Ambassador that Gulomov is still under GOU investigation (ref A) for corruption involving gasoline sales to American Forces at Karshi Khanabad (K2) Airbase and a Lockheed-Martin contract from several years ago. While Gulomov sent his regards to the Ambassador and wanted the Embassy to be aware of the situation, Yuldashev made it clear that he was not asking for our assistance. Yuldashev noted that his brother-in-law preferred that the U.S. not get publicly involved in his case, fearing our intervention might be detrimental. (Note: This information runs counter to reports circulating around Tashkent that Gulomov has been cleared of all corruption charges (ref B). End Note.) ¶2. (C) Comment: Although Post knows about similar cases of recently removed GOU officials being investigated for corruption, this is the first instance where the accused has provided an insight into his case. Given Yuldashev's close ties to Gulomov and excellent working relations with the Embassy, we have no reason to question the bona fides of his comments. PURNELL