Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov, the new chairman of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB), gave an interview to the publication "Evening Bishkek".
- Congratulations, Major General, on your appointment as head of the GKNB. As noted by Deputy Yrysbek Atajanov, your experience is necessary, and there was no need to discuss your candidacy for long. What changes does the reform prepare?
- Thank you. Currently, significant structural and organizational changes are taking place in the national security system of Kyrgyzstan. These reforms are systemic in nature, aimed at creating a mobile, professional, and transparent structure capable of effectively ensuring the country's security and protecting its constitutional order in the context of a changing global situation.
The reforms are being carried out in stages, in compliance with current legislation and in accordance with the priorities of state policy in the field of security. As is known, structural changes have already been implemented: the state protection and Border Service units have been separated from the GKNB. As for organizational reforms, they include optimizing the personnel composition, redistributing functions, enhancing analytical work, and strengthening human resources. Special attention is paid to discipline, responsibility, and the moral and spiritual training of employees, as well as the introduction of modern management approaches.
Additionally, as part of the ongoing changes, the GKNB will focus on classical methods of operational and analytical work.
The depoliticization of the GKNB is an important step that implies freeing the agency from the influences of political parties and opportunistic interests. The State Committee should not be a tool in political struggles.
The next priority is the professionalization of the structure, which implies prioritizing professional qualities over political connections when appointing to key positions.
In the future, the GKNB will persistently fight against manifestations of tribalism and regionalism, basing appointments and promotions on professionalism. Otherwise, conditions may arise in law enforcement agencies for the persecution of dissenters and the growth of corruption, which, in turn, paralyzes operational activities and can lead to negative consequences.
Qualitative changes in the GKNB imply a transition to lawful methods of operation, a rejection of outdated military approaches in favor of legal and civil methods of ensuring security. We must rid ourselves of the ideology of intimidation and create a modern service that corresponds to current realities.
As President Sadyr Japarov noted, a lot has been achieved in the fight against corruption in Kyrgyzstan over the past five years; however, this policy often depended on a specific leader and the resources of law enforcement agencies, which did not guarantee stability. Society has become accustomed to visible, demonstrative actions. The reform of the GKNB will aim to transition from public anti-corruption efforts to a more systematic approach, with clear rules and the inevitability of punishment. A combination of publicity and the establishment of an anti-corruption system will yield the best results.
- What other tasks does the special service have? Many have the impression that the GKNB controls all spheres of public life.
- The GKNB is responsible for identifying, preventing, and suppressing the activities of foreign intelligence services, combating terrorism, extremism, and corruption, organized crime, ensuring information security, and protecting the constitutional order. Within its powers, we inform the president, the speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, and other state bodies about possible threats to national security.
The concept of "curator" is sometimes misinterpreted; in fact, it is an employee who ensures the interests of national security in certain areas, preventing subversive activities.
According to the Constitution, national security agencies operate in accordance with the law. The GKNB is guided by the Constitution, the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic, and presidential decrees, which guarantees the legality of our activities.
Thus, the GKNB strictly adheres to the laws and regulations of the country.
- Can we hope that the GKNB will no longer interfere in the activities of tax and audit authorities or pressure businesses?
- I will do everything possible to ensure that the work of the GKNB is based on the principles of legality and transparency. All units have received strict instructions prohibiting interference in business. Our goal is to ensure economic security and combat corruption, while cooperation with business should be based on trust.
- Speaking of demonstrativeness, President Japarov called for working "without mask shows." People are surprised that the arrests of suspected GKNB employees are taking place quietly. Is this already being implemented?
- I am also against "mask shows." The activities of special services should remain confidential. As for investigations into the abuse of power by some former GKNB employees, they are being conducted jointly with the Military Prosecutor's Office and the Main Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, strictly within the framework of the law. The president emphasized that the fight against corruption will be conducted around the clock, and the demands for results in these areas will remain high.
It should be noted that there have been no mass arrests among entrepreneurs; there are only isolated cases where state interests are affected. Pressure on the investigation is unacceptable, and the acceleration of processes should not affect the objectivity of the investigation.
- Deputy Dastan Bekeshov proposed to reconsider the blocking of "TikTok." What is your opinion on this? What threats may be associated with this platform?
- The most important tasks now are countering information operations and transnational crime, as well as combating cybercrime.
The modern internet, including social networks, particularly "TikTok," where drugs and gambling are actively promoted, poses a serious threat to youth and their upbringing.
The blocking of "TikTok" was initiated by the Ministry of Culture in August 2023 and officially implemented in April 2024 due to the platform's non-compliance with legislation on the protection of children's health. Despite this, many users continue to bypass the block.
The decision to block was made based on complaints from citizens and non-governmental organizations highlighting the negative impact of the content on youth.
The future of children is more important than any social network. No digital platform can be more important than the health and education of the younger generation.
The GKNB regularly monitors the internet space to identify destructive content that may threaten children and adolescents.
- In light of personnel changes, can we hope to rid ourselves of those who disgrace the GKNB?
- I will repeat: I will do everything possible. Individuals who have committed violations have already been dismissed and will be held accountable. There will be no untouchables in government agencies, and everyone who breaks the law will be punished.
The GKNB will continue its systematic fight against corruption and organized crime exclusively through lawful methods, without "mask shows."
Overall, the reform of the GKNB is aimed at adapting to modern threats, enhancing intelligence and counterintelligence work, combating terrorism and corruption, as well as strengthening state power and increasing the prestige of the service. We will create a structure capable of competing with the best intelligence agencies in the world.
