Photo from the internet. Altynbek Abduvayev and his deputy Islambek Kydyrgychov
The former head of the Tax Service, Altynbek Abduvayev, and his deputy, Islambek Kydyrgychov, were convicted of abuse of office. The court imposed severe fines of 400,000 and 300,000 soms, which must be paid to the state treasury. In addition, they are prohibited from holding certain positions, receiving special titles, and awards.
It is worth noting that on December 5, 2024, the head of the GKNB, Kamchybek Tashiev, stated in parliament about the creation of a corruption scheme by tax officials, which is related to electronic goods transportation invoices and caused damage to the budget amounting to 3.2 billion soms.
After the verdict was announced, the GKNB issued a statement saying that all defendants had pleaded guilty and compensated for damages amounting to 4 billion 307 million soms. “The crimes were committed before the amendments that tightened responsibility for corruption came into effect, so the court applied the norms of the old version of the Criminal Code, allowing for the imposition of a fine upon admission of guilt and conclusion of a procedural agreement,” the statement from the state committee said.
In Bishkek, there was a case of poisoning at the fast food point "Daamduu," resulting in more than 20 people being hospitalized. Of the 18 hospitalized, 4 are children. Thirteen people are receiving inpatient treatment, while the others are receiving outpatient care. Symptoms of poisoning appeared in the victims on January 15 after consuming shawarma.
Interestingly, in the summer of 2025, the same establishment "Daamduu" at the intersection of Baytik Baatyr and Suerkulov streets also experienced mass poisoning of more than 20 people, caused by meat mince.
A campaign to renew driver's licenses has begun in Kyrgyzstan. Citizens have the opportunity to exchange their old indefinite licenses for new samples for free from January 15 to February 15, 2026. The procedure has been simplified by the cancellation of the mandatory medical certificate form 083 for this category of applicants — it is sufficient to provide a valid ID.
Those who do not manage to take advantage of the free replacement within a month will have access to paid replacement throughout 2026 at a price of 779 soms. However, the paid procedure may require a medical commission, which is paid separately (724 soms). Currently, strict deadlines for mandatory transition to new licenses have not been established.
Journalists from 24.kg reported on interesting and important events in the review "Week-24".
The General Plan of Bishkek until 2050: which houses and lands are under threat of changes
The Bishkek city administration published responses to questions and proposals raised by citizens during public hearings on the capital's general development plan until 2050, held on December 24-25, 2025. The discussions showed that residents came not for abstract schemes, but for specific clarifications regarding their houses and land plots. However, in most cases, the responses boiled down to the fact that details would be determined later at the detailed planning project stage.
The financial situation of Kyrgyz citizens in 2026: who will win and who will lose
In 2026, changes in the financial situation of Kyrgyz citizens are expected: for some categories of citizens, incomes will increase, while others will face rising mandatory expenses. 24.kg has compiled the main decisions and changes that will affect the family budget.
New facilities at the Osh market and Western bus station will open before the SCO summit
Leading officials of the country familiarized themselves with the development of the construction of key infrastructure facilities located on the approach to Manas Airport. It is expected that the Western bus station and the new Osh market will open in May this year, before the SCO summit, which will be held in Bishkek in August 2026.
Transformation of a colony into a residential complex: the second phase of "Muras" is completed in Bishkek
A modern residential complex has emerged on the territory of the former colony No. 47 in Bishkek. The area, previously associated with a correctional institution, has now become an urban space with new houses and infrastructure.
Voting: right or duty? A parliamentary bill
Deputy Marlen Mamataliyev proposed to obligate citizens of Kyrgyzstan to participate in voting in elections and referendums. His amendments to the constitutional laws "On the elections of the president and deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh," "On the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums," and "On the referendum" have been submitted for public discussion.
Reaction of Central Asian countries to Solovyov's statements: a threat or escalation?
Propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, in one of his broadcasts, suggested "starting a special military operation" in Central Asian countries and Armenia. He expressed the opinion that Russia, like the USA in Venezuela, should "ignore international law" and consider the possibility of military intervention in the affairs of Armenia and the Central Asian republics to prevent their exit from the Russian "sphere of influence." What do the Central Asian states say about such provocative statements? We have gathered the main reactions in the material from 24.kg.
Sports as a means of changing the fate of people with disabilities
In Kyrgyzstan, there are more than 218,000 people with disabilities, but only a few of them find themselves in sports. The country's Paralympians overcome difficulties and stereotypes every day to prove that disability is not an obstacle to success. The president of the public association "Kyrgyz National Paralympic Committee," Toktorbek Aydyraiev, told a journalist from 24.kg about how young people with disabilities become outstanding athletes despite all the challenges.
Tips for beginner skiers: how to survive on the mountain slope
With the start of the new ski season in Kyrgyzstan, the resorts are open, and outdoor enthusiasts are happily visiting them. If you are planning to conquer the mountain slopes for the first time, our material is for you. Experienced skiers and instructors shared with 24.kg recommendations that will help you fall in love with skiing.
Autumn Bishkek and Lake Sary-Chelek: photos from readers of 24.kg
The "Moments of Life" section was created with the participation of readers of 24.kg who are passionate about traveling around Kyrgyzstan and photography. This time we will return to autumn Bishkek, then head to the waterfall in Barskoon Gorge, visit Lake Kyl-Suu, and conclude our journey at the picturesque Lake Sary-Chelek.
Movie premieres next week: from Major Grom to a thriller with Sophie Turner
Next week (January 19-25), viewers can expect many premieres: various projects will hit the screens. The famous St. Petersburg policeman returns in the action movie "Major Grom: Play by the Rules." Thriller lovers will be delighted by Sophie Turner in the crime film "The Heist," while Patrick Dempsey will play an assassin suffering from memory loss. The fantastic drama "Beauty" will make one think about the price of perfection, while the sequels to the hits "Drops of God" and "Sex. Before and After" will reveal new aspects of human relationships. ```
