During the period from 2022 to 2025, an embezzlement scheme totaling 1.245 billion somonis was uncovered within the operations of Dushanbe International Airport (DIA). Criminal proceedings have been instituted against 22 individuals, including Ismatullo Abdullozoda, the former airport director. Also arrested in connection with the case are his deputy, Asliddin Malikov, a supplier to the airport, Davlatov, the warehouse manager, Kholov, and two other employees, Ismatulloyev and Jurayev.
At a news conference held by the Agency for State Financial Control and Combating Corruption under the President of Tajikistan, it was revealed that Ismatullo Abdullozoda is suspected of embezzling 961 million somonis. He is currently under arrest.
The charges against Abdullozoda include Article 245 — embezzlement and misappropriation, and Article 340 — forgery, manufacturing, or distribution of fake documents, state awards, stamps, seals, and forms; an investigation is under way. The investigation is ongoing.
As of now, 281 million somonis have been returned to the state budget from the total amount embezzled, according to the press conference.
In May 2025, President Emomali Rahmon removed Ismatullo Abdullozoda and his deputies from their positions as part of a financial audit and following the discovery of serious deficiencies in their management. The new head of the airport is Zainullo Sharifzoda, who had previously served as the director of the Agency for Public Procurement of Goods, Works, and Services under the Government of Tajikistan. Before that, he was the director of Tajikistan’s largest enterprise, Tajik Cement.
According to Tajik media, Zainullo Sharifzoda is the brother of Shamsullo Sohibov, who is the son-in-law of President Emomali Rahmon.
It is worth noting that the aviation sector in Tajikistan, including Dushanbe International Airport, has seen several instances of embezzlement over the years. Many directors of the sector have been replaced due to various managerial shortcomings.
