The detained suspect. Photo by the State National Security Committee.
In Bishkek, S. M. A., the owner of a chain of pawnshops, was detained on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities. This was reported by the press service of the State National Security Committee.
According to information from the agency, the suspect organized "criminal pawnshop and usury activities" in the capital, extracting illegal profits from citizens who found themselves in difficult financial situations.
It is noted that loans were issued on extremely unfavorable terms with inflated interest rates, which put clients in a dependent position and deprived them of the ability to fulfill their obligations.
The investigation claims that, using the resulting debts, S. M. A. illegally seized movable and immovable property from clients, including apartments, land plots, and commercial properties. This was done through fictitious transactions involving "controlled notaries and other affiliated persons".
During the investigation, individuals who had a trusting relationship with S. M. A. were also identified, on whom a significant number of movable and immovable property objects were registered.
"It was also established that the illegal activities had an organized nature and were accompanied by elements of pressure, intimidation, and psychological influence on the victims. In addition, connections with law enforcement agencies were used to prevent citizens from seeking protection of their rights," the State National Security Committee added.
Photo by the State National Security Committee.
The detention of S. M. A. occurred as part of a criminal case, and on January 14, the court in the First Mai district of Bishkek decided to place him in custody in the State National Security Committee's pre-trial detention center.
The investigation is ongoing, and other individuals involved in the case are being identified, as reported.
The State National Security Committee reminded that the illegal activities of pawnshops and usury are subject to criminal liability.
