Corruption or Tradition? Only 40% of Uzbeks See Gifts to Officials as Bribes

Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Committee surveyed citizens to learn their views on corruption. The results appeared on the Committee’s Telegram channel.

The survey showed that most Uzbeks associate corruption with bribery and nepotism. However, only 40% consider giving valuable gifts to civil servants a corrupt act.

Traditional gifts like “suyunchi” and “to’yona” are often seen as signs of respect or gratitude, not corruption.

At the same time, 74% of participants said they would report corruption. Many prefer using electronic platforms or mobile apps to do so.

Despite this, half of the respondents fear consequences for reporting. Another 20% don’t know where to file complaints, and nearly 14% admitted they might give money voluntarily as a gesture of gratitude.

Most citizens condemn bribery. Around 88% disapprove of receiving bribes, and 68% have a negative view of giving them.