On the same day, a decree was signed to withdraw the Border Service of the KR from the structure of the GKNB.
About the upcoming changes in the GKNB of the KR in the short-term and long-term perspectives, Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov spoke in an interview with VB.KG.
— Major General, congratulations on your appointment, which was approved by the Jogorku Kenesh. As Deputy Yrysbek Atazhanov rightly noted, it is impractical to delay the new head of the GKNB for long, as he has a lot of work ahead. What other changes are planned within the framework of the reform?
— Thank you. As you rightly emphasized, organizational and structural reforms are currently being conducted in the national security system of the KR. These changes are systemic in nature and aimed at creating an effective, professional, and transparent structure capable of ensuring national security and protecting the constitutional order of the Kyrgyz Republic, taking into account the changing international situation.
The reforms are being carried out in stages, in compliance with legislation and taking into account the priorities of state policy in the field of security. As you know, the changes being implemented include the withdrawal of state security structures and the Border Service from the GKNB. As for organizational and staffing reforms, they involve optimizing staff numbers, redistributing responsibilities, enhancing analytical work, and developing human resources. Special attention is paid to discipline, personal responsibility, moral and spiritual preparedness of employees, and the introduction of modern management approaches.
In addition, within the framework of these reforms, a classical approach to operational and analytical work will be emphasized.
It is necessary to depoliticize the GKNB, freeing it from the influence of political parties and ideologies. The state committee should not serve as a political tool.
The next important step is the professionalization of the structure, which implies prioritizing professionalism in appointments to leadership positions.
In the future, the GKNB of the KR will strive to eradicate any manifestations of tribalism and regionalism, and appointments and promotions will be based on professional qualities. Otherwise, especially in law enforcement structures, there may arise opportunities for the persecution of dissenters and an increase in corruption, which paralyzes operational activities and leads to negative consequences that undermine trust in security agencies. The system will transition from geographical logic to competency logic, which will be a step towards a more mature political model.
A quality reform of the GKNB consists of transitioning to legal frameworks—from harsh military methods to legal and civil approaches in ensuring security. It is necessary to abandon the ideology of intimidation and create a modern service that corresponds to current realities.
As the president, esteemed Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov, noted, much has been done in the last five years to combat corruption; however, this policy often depended on the personal qualities of leaders, which created temporary results but did not ensure sustainability. Society has become accustomed to a visible struggle against corruption. The reform of the GKNB includes a transition from a demonstrative campaign to a more systematic and procedural approach with clear rules and inevitable punishment. Addressing publicity while simultaneously building an anti-corruption system will yield the best results.
— What are the functions of your special service? In recent years, there has been an opinion that the GKNB controls all spheres of public life.
— The GKNB is responsible for identifying, preventing, and suppressing the intelligence activities of foreign special services on the territory of the KR; combating terrorism, extremism, corruption, and organized crime; ensuring information security and protecting the constitutional order; within its powers, it informs the president, the speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, the chairman of the cabinet of ministers, and state bodies about national security threats…
The term "curator" is often misunderstood. In fact, it refers to an employee who accompanies a specific process and ensures national security interests, suppressing the intelligence activities of foreign services.
According to the Constitution of the KR, national security agencies operate on the basis of and in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the country. The GKNB is guided by the Constitution, the National Security Law, the Law on Operational-Search Activities, the Criminal Code, and other regulatory acts.
Thus, the GKNB implements its functions strictly within the framework of the law.
— This means that your agency will no longer interfere in the work of tax and audit bodies and pressure businesses?
— I will do everything possible to ensure that the activities of the GKNB of the KR are based on the principles of legality, transparency, and accountability, without exceeding its powers. All divisions have received strict instructions regarding the inadmissibility of interference in business. National security agencies must ensure economic security and combat corruption, while interaction with businesses should be based on the principles of legality and trust.
— Speaking of demonstrativeness, Sadyr Japarov instructed law enforcement officers: "In the fight against crime and corruption, work calmly and professionally, without 'mask shows' and PR." Why do some detentions of GKNB employees occur without publicity?
— I also do not support the "mask show" method. The activities of special services should be largely secretive. As for some former employees suspected of exceeding their authority, investigations are being conducted at the direction of the president in conjunction with the Military Prosecutor's Office and the Main Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, strictly in accordance with the law. I want to emphasize that the GKNB will fight corruption 24 hours a day, and this work will never cease. The demands for results in these areas will remain strict.
It is important to note that there have been no mass arrests of entrepreneurs; the cases of detentions concern only those who touch upon state interests. Pressure on the investigation is unacceptable, and the acceleration of investigations should not compromise their objectivity.
— What do you think about the issue of revising the TikTok ban raised by Deputy Dastan Bekeshov? What threats may arise in this context?
— Countering information-psychological operations and cybercrime is now coming to the forefront.
Modern social networks, including TikTok, are platforms where drugs, gambling, and violence are openly promoted, which contradicts traditional values. In August 2023, the Ministry of Culture initiated the blocking of TikTok, and in April 2024, access to this platform was officially closed, as the administrators did not comply with child health protection laws. Despite this, users find ways to bypass the ban.
The decision to block was made after numerous complaints from citizens and deputies pointing to inappropriate content. The future of our 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 of the KR regularly analyzes social networks to identify destructive content and threats to children, including the promotion of violence and drugs.
— Given the personnel changes, can we hope for the GKNB to rid itself of those who discredit it?
— I reiterate: all necessary measures will be taken. Individuals who have committed violations have already been dismissed and will be held accountable, which will be communicated to the public. There will be no untouchables in government agencies, and all who commit offenses will be punished.
The State Committee will continue the fight against corruption and organized crime exclusively through legal methods, without "mask shows".
Overall, the reform of the GKNB is aimed at adapting to modern challenges, enhancing intelligence and counterintelligence operations, combating terrorism and extremism, eradicating corruption, and ensuring information security. We will create a structure that meets modern requirements and standards.
