According to the agency's information, S.M.A. issued loans to residents of Bishkek under extremely unfavorable conditions. High interest rates led to debtors finding themselves in a dependent position and unable to repay the money. Operatives emphasize that in such situations, methods of pressure and intimidation were used.
During the investigation, it was revealed that S.M.A. used overdue debts as a basis for the illegal seizure of his clients' property, including apartments, land plots, and commercial properties. The registration of ownership rights was carried out through fictitious transactions involving dummy notaries and affiliated persons.
Additionally, a group of trusted individuals was identified, on whom a significant number of assets acquired through criminal means were registered. There is also information about possible connections with representatives of government agencies, which could hinder the protection of citizens' rights.
The owner of the pawnshops was arrested on January 14, and the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek chose a preventive measure in the form of detention in the GKNB pre-trial detention center. The investigation is ongoing, and possible accomplices are being identified.
The GKNB reminds that usury and illegal operations with pawnshops may lead to criminal liability.
