On November 15, 2025, the State National Security Committee (GKNB) announced the initiation of a criminal investigation under Article 222 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, concerning the legalization (laundering) of criminal proceeds.
According to the investigation, a land plot of 1.1 hectares was allocated in Bishkek in 1994, which was subsequently divided and sold. Part of the land was reportedly used for purposes other than intended, which, according to law enforcement, benefited the family of the university's founder, the late Sultan Mambetkaliev. Sultan's daughter, Cholpon Mambetkalieva, currently holds the position of rector.
During the inspection of the educational process, questions arose regarding the actual number of students: while official data indicates 800 students, the investigation claims that the real number is significantly lower. There were also reports of measures to redistribute students to other educational institutions, and the public was promised information on the progress of the investigation.
The founders' lawyer, Baktybek Jumashov, spoke about the situation regarding the criminal case.
“The land plot was purchased, not received for free. Sultan Mambetkaliev paid 80,250 soms, and the purchase agreement has not been disputed. This was not a ready-made business: he invested his own funds and efforts. The Mambetkaliev family does not use state property for personal purposes,” Jumashov stated.
He also noted that complaints regarding the accusations had been sent to the General Prosecutor's Office.
Cholpon Mambetkalieva added that her father worked on the business for 10 years.
“This is our property, we have all the necessary documents and notarized copies. An attack on an educational institution is sacrilege,” she emphasized.
Participants at the press conference appealed to President Sadyr Japarov to meet with them and listen to their concerns. The lawyer also called for the cessation of the criminal case against his clients.
