The largest detention of corrupt officials in history of Kyrgyzstan
The largest corruption scandal in the energy sector has come to light in Kyrgyzstan. 17 people were detained in the case – former heads of various ranks in distribution energy companies.
The Prosecutor General’s Office has revealed a stable corruption scheme for the illegal write-off of debts for electricity. This was announced at a press conference in Bishkek by the head of the press service of the Prosecutor General’s Office, Sirojiddin Kamoliddinov.
According to him, on this fact, four criminal cases were initiated under the article of corruption against employees of Oshelectro, Jalalabadelectro, Severelectro and Vostokelectro. According to the investigation, during the operation of the corruption group from 2016 to 2020, the total damage caused to the state amounted to $2,379,383 (204.6 million KGS). The greatest damage, namely more than 65%, was caused by employees of Oshelectro.
As a result, the following were detained in the case: the former head of Naryn branch of Vostokelectro, the former deputy head of Naryn branch of Vostokelectro, the head of Tien Shan DEN [district of electrical networks], the deputy head of Tien Shan DEN, the former director of Tien Shan DEN, the former deputy head of Tien Shan DEN, the former deputy director of Severelectro, the head of Zhaiyl DEN, the head of Bishkek DEN, the former director of Oshelectro, the former heads of Uzgen DEN, the former head of Osh energy supply company, the former deputy head of Uzgen DEN, the former head of Nookot DEN, the former deputy head of Nookot DEN and the former director of Jalalabadelectro.
It should be noted that this is the largest detention on the fact of corruption in the history of Kyrgyzstan.
It’s specified that the detainees have already admitted their guilt and are actively cooperating with the investigation. The Prosecutor General’s Office promised to take it into account when sentencing.
“The detained officials in the energy sector concluded this agreement with us, pleaded guilty, and compensated for the damage. This will be taken into account in the court. So, if the article provides for a sentence of 5 to 10 years, then the judge will appoint 5 years,” Kamoliddinov concluded.
