Kamchybek Tashiev, chairman of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS), openly shared his feelings related to anti-corruption activities. According to him, in the process of fighting corruption, he lost about 70% of his close ones, including friends and relatives, many of whom ceased communication with him.
“Anti-corruption work is extremely important for our state and future generations. However, it causes dissatisfaction not only among citizens but also among the relatives of those who violated the law. Among them were my acquaintances and former colleagues. It hurts. Since I took the position in the SCNS, I have lost a significant number of friends and relatives. We no longer communicate, no longer drink tea together — not because of my position, but because of my work,” Tashiev said in an interview with the TV channel "Region TV".
He also noted that sometimes he had to make difficult decisions, even concerning close ones. For example, one of his in-laws is under investigation for crimes committed between 2020 and 2023. “Many asked me to intervene and release him — both relatives and acquaintances. But I could not do that. He must face punishment; otherwise, justice will be in question,” Tashiev emphasized.
The head of the SCNS provided an example of his principled stance: “My nephew, the son of my late brother, insulted a traffic police officer. He was detained. If I had backed down, it could have created a precedent where other nephews would start to disrespect prosecutors or akims. Society would descend into chaos. Of course, relatives perceive this negatively and often hate me for such decisions. But for me, order in the country is more important. Without principles, I would have no moral right to lead the SCNS.”
