Civil Registry Offices Lead Tajikistan Corruption Complaints, Ministry Ranks Fourth Overall

Tajikistan's Ministry of Justice is the fourth most corrupt agency, according to a survey of 10,000 citizens. The Anti-Corruption Agency's findings revealed that 9.1% of respondents who experienced corruption cited the ministry's structures.

The Civil Registry Service, which handles marriage, birth, and death registrations, was the most frequently accused subdivision. Nearly half of those who encountered corruption within the Ministry of Justice pointed to the Civil Registry Service for taking bribes. The State Notary Office followed, accounting for over 83% of reported corruption cases within the ministry when combined with the Civil Registry Service.

Overall, the education sector topped the list of corrupt agencies, with about 20% of respondents reporting bribery or extortion. The Ministry of Internal Affairs ranked second, with a significant portion of corruption cases involving officers of the State Automobile Inspectorate. The Ministry of Health placed third.

Low salaries and harsh living conditions were identified as the primary reasons for corruption's spread, cited by 25.6% of respondents. Many who encountered corruption, however, chose not to file complaints, with 86% remaining silent. The Ministry of Justice did not respond to requests for comment.