At a time when saving water has become a matter of vital importance, it is no less crucial to monitor how the allocated funds are used.
Before arriving in the Amudarya district of Karakalpakstan, Ilkhom Abdullaev, director of several small firms, had already been convicted four times between 2017 and 2024 for fraud, theft, and document forgery. In 2019, Abdullaev was sentenced to five years in prison, which was later reduced to a fine of 20 percent of his income.
Despite his record, Abdullaev, with backing from the Amudarya district hokimiyat, again, persuaded 14 farmers to sign contracts for water-saving systems. Between April and May 2024, he received approximately $340,000 in advance payments from Agrobank loans but delivered little or no work on the projects. The farmers were left with debts ranging from $15,000 to $100,000 each.
After the farmers filed complaints in early 2025, Abdullaev was arrested.
In court, the farmers testified that local officials had introduced Abdullaev as a trusted contractor.
“An employee of the district water supply department told me to sign with Yuksalish Amir Rise LLC [Abduallev’s company],” one farmer said.
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