Asia-Plus: 6 individuals punished for electricity theft

The report states that on 2 May 2025, Asia-Plus reported the Tajik Interior Ministry had opened administrative and criminal cases against at least six individuals suspected of “stealing” electricity in the past week, following the tightening of penalties for illegal electricity use. The report states authorities stated the individuals caused hundreds of thousands of somonis in damage to the state budget. The report states on 1 May, authorities opened an administrative case against two individuals in Dushanbe, including Nourullo Rajabov who had connected electricity to his Qarategin Street residence without a meter, causing damage of more than 1,400 somonis. The report states another case in Roudaki district involved a 54-year-old resident who illegally connected electricity to his catering enterprise “Shomi Dushanbe,” causing 6,696 somonis in damage to state-owned Barqi Tojik. The report states the Dushanbe Police Directorate previously instituted criminal proceedings against four capital residents under Article 253 of the Penal Code (causing property damage by fraud or abuse of trust) for damages exceeding 200,000 somonis. The report states four electricity inspectors in Khatlon province were also detained on suspicion of stealing electricity money. The report states amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses set fines between 1,500 and 22,500 somonis for improper use of electricity and heat. The report states Article 253 of the Penal Code (introduced following a 27 March closed government meeting) stipulates penalties of 365–547 calculation units or up to 3 years imprisonment for altering meter readings or bypassing meters, with 6–10 years for offences by organised groups.