A significant event has occurred in Kyrgyzstan: for the first time, high-profile officials have been convicted of corruption crimes. The October District Court of Bishkek made this historic decision, sentencing former mayor of Tokmok, Nusuvaliyev, to 13 years in prison with confiscation of his property. Among those convicted were also the former head of the municipal property department, T.A., the former head of the state procurement department, I.G.Z., and the director of the contracting company "Al-Kadyr-Santekhservice," K.T.E., who each received 12 years in a penal colony. They are also prohibited from holding state and municipal positions for three years, and they will serve their sentences in general regime correctional institutions.
This verdict has come as a real shock to Kyrgyz society, as it seemed just recently that high-ranking officials were beyond the reach of the law. How many times have high-profile bribery cases involving hundreds of thousands of dollars ended with only light fines or suspended sentences! People had become accustomed to the idea that the "big shots" always find a way to evade punishment.
However, the situation has now radically changed. For the first time in years of independence, officials have truly faced punishment for their crimes. This breakthrough was made possible by the initiative of the head of the State National Security Committee, Kamchybek Tashiev, who last year achieved the tightening of anti-corruption laws and the revision of articles so that bribe-takers could not easily escape responsibility.
Tashiev emphasized: "Fines do not scare those who steal millions. It is necessary for people to be held accountable for corruption with their freedom and property." His words did not go without consequences: the law was passed and is now in effect. What happened in Tokmok has become a vivid example of the fact that in Kyrgyzstan, it is no longer possible to hide behind a position or connections. The state demonstrates that the law is the same for everyone. Tashiev's initiative has thus become one of the few cases where words about fighting corruption have turned into reality.
It can now be confidently stated that the era of impunity has ended. This trial can be seen as an important milestone, opening a new chapter of accountability before the law. Previously, officials felt protected, but now they will have to think twice before attempting to steal from the state budget.
It is worth mentioning that in early summer 2025, Kamchybek Tashiev held a meeting at the Tokmok mayor's office with local authorities, where one of the main topics was the construction of a city park, around which a conflict with residents had arisen.
During the tender for the improvement of this area, 44 million soms were allocated, of which 42 million went to the company "Al-Kadyr-Santekhservice." However, an inspection soon revealed that a large portion of the funds had been misused, and construction work was carried out with serious violations.
At Tashiev's direction, during the meeting, the mayor of Tokmok, Maksat Nusuvaliyev, the head of the municipal property department, Turatbek uulu A., the executive director of "Al-Kadyr-Santekhservice," and the person responsible for the park's construction, K.T.E., were detained. They were all charged with causing significant damage to the state.
