Every year on December 9, the world celebrates the International Anti-Corruption Day, established after the signing of the UN Convention against Corruption in 2003. This day has become a symbol of the fight against financial crimes, embezzlement of budget funds, and bribery.
Since the adoption of the Convention, countries have begun to actively combat corruption; however, successes in this area vary. Kyrgyzstan, for example, has faced serious problems in this sphere until recently. Corruption was widespread, affecting all levels of society and various sectors.
- Development is impossible without fighting corruption. While a small group of people benefits, the people governed by corrupt officials remain in poverty, - notes Colonel General Tashiev, head of the State National Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing the importance of his anti-corruption strategy.
Kamchybek Tashiev has become the first head of the Kyrgyz special services for whom the fight against corruption is not just empty words. Since his appointment, the general has taken active steps against corrupt practices, announcing a broad and decisive campaign.
In the past three years, Kyrgyzstan has become a leader among post-Soviet countries in terms of GDP per capita, which has been made possible by the active fight against corruption.
The general acknowledges that combating corruption requires more effort than fighting organized crime, as its roots run too deep. Nevertheless, Tashiev assures that the situation will soon change for the better, and society supports him in this.
- At my direction, - states the head of the State National Security Committee, - work has begun to uncover complex corruption schemes that have existed for nearly three decades. First and foremost, public officials are being held accountable. A new law signed by President Sadyr Japarov toughens penalties for corruption, completely excluding the possibility of holding public office for those convicted of such crimes. Those who previously escaped with fines can now expect real prison sentences. Moreover, relatives of corrupt officials will also be unable to hold public office.
This law has already come into effect, and recently, high-profile officials in Kyrgyzstan were convicted of corruption for the first time. The former mayor of Tokmok, Nusuvaliev, received thirteen years in prison with asset confiscation. Along with him, other high-ranking individuals were also held accountable.
The new law, along with its strict enforcement, has received broad support in society and serves as a serious warning to both those already convicted and potential corrupt officials. There will be no forgiveness!
The results speak for themselves: since October 2020, as a result of the active fight against corruption and organized crime, the state has managed to recover over 300 billion soms in the form of assets, land, and property. These funds are directed towards the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects, including the construction of schools, kindergartens, roads, and hospitals. The reduction in the level of corruption has positively impacted the political and economic stability of Kyrgyzstan, which has ranked first among CIS countries in investor protection and is successfully implementing international projects with foreign partners.
If in 2020 the level of corruption in the country was 70-80%, it has now decreased to 30-40%. But this is not the limit. Our goal is to completely eradicate corruption, and we are confident that we will achieve it.
The International Anti-Corruption Day is an important moment that serves as a celebration for Kamchybek Tashiev. He inspires the world with his example, showing how a small Central Asian state successfully fights against what has long seemed invincible. Forward, Comrade General!
