The discussion of Alexey Shirshov's participation in the recent meeting in Moscow has become relevant again. In an interview with the Kabar agency, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, emphasized that the authorities intend to use the information that Shirshov possesses in the interests of the country.
- A photograph of Alexey Shirshov with the Kyrgyz delegation, led by the Deputy Prime Minister, at a meeting with representatives of the Russian Ministry of Energy is actively discussed on social media. Some commentators recalled your previous statements that Shirshov would not hold government positions.
Daniyar Amangeldiev, in turn, noted that Shirshov's knowledge and information are extremely important at this time. However, this position has drawn criticism: people are questioning whether there are truly no more qualified specialists in Kyrgyzstan. Some express even sharper opinions: "Tashiev left – Shirshov came."
- I will answer this question starting from the very beginning. It was at the end of 2021 when Shirshov, through intermediaries, conveyed a request: if he is not arrested, he is ready to return to Kyrgyzstan and provide information about Maxim Bakiev's foreign and domestic assets, as well as help return them to the state. After Maxim's escape, many of his associates were left without support, including Alexey Shirshov.
I clarified with the law enforcement agencies and found out that Shirshov is not wanted. We allowed him to come to the country: let him come and share the information he has.
He arrived, and we welcomed him. We immediately stated that the previous government no longer exists, and anyone who tries to steal from state institutions will be detained. You became wealthy together with Maxim; now help return these funds to the state. We set one condition: to provide all the information.
After that, he began cooperation with the State National Security Committee and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Shirshov provided data on which cottages in the "Avrora Plus" resort were illegally re-registered to relatives and acquaintances. As a result, the state managed to return several cottages and apartments.
He also reported the existence of a villa "castle-chateau" in southeastern France, which belonged to Maxim Bakiev and was purchased from Boris Berezovsky. Since 2023, the Ministry of Justice of Kyrgyzstan has been conducting legal proceedings regarding this property. It should be noted that such processes can take a long time and do not always end successfully. The return of property in favor of Kyrgyzstan depends on the circumstances.
Another important piece of information was the indication of the ownership of the company "Elkat" by Maxim Bakiev, which has now fully transitioned to state ownership. The estimated value of the company is about 6 billion soms.
As for his participation in the negotiations in Moscow, Kyrgyzstan owed the company "RusHydro" 37 million dollars for the Upper Naryn HPP project. Currently, taking into account interest, the debt amount has exceeded 51 million dollars and continues to grow, as the International Court has ruled for the accrual of interest.
I sent a delegation led by Daniyar Amangeldiev to Moscow to discuss ways to resolve the debt issue. While there, he contacted the delegation and offered to share information about "RusHydro," as he has experience working with this company and significant data. How useful this information will be remains to be seen.
The main thing is that we will not allow Shirshov to hold ministerial positions or lead state institutions, as was the case before. If his information is useful for the state, we will use it; if not, cooperation will be terminated.
In general, we will not allow encroachments on state resources. Therefore, ignore attempts to manipulate around Shirshov's figure.
The Ministry of Energy intends to fully pay off the accumulated debt of 137 billion soms this year and to start making a profit from next year. All thefts in the system have been stopped, which allows us to close the debt that has accumulated over 30 years within five years. If the thefts had continued, the debt would only have increased.
If employees are found guilty of corruption or theft, there will be no leniency. This applies not only to the Ministry of Energy but to all state institutions and officials.
