Another Corruption Suspect, 'Lizun,' Detained in Kyrgyzstan Following 'Edu' Case

Authorities in Kyrgyzstan have detained a man known as "Lizun," reportedly a member of the "Edu's Forty Warriors" group, as part of an ongoing corruption investigation. Sources indicate that the detention was carried out by officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Main Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

While the exact charges and procedural status of Lizun remain officially unconfirmed, his arrest is believed to be connected to the criminal case against Eldar Zhakypbekov, the former head of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) in Bishkek, who is known by the nickname "Edu." Social media users had previously identified Lizun as part of Zhakypbekov's alleged inner circle, informally referred to as "Edu's Forty Warriors."

Zhakypbekov himself was arrested in mid-February 2026 by the Military Prosecutor's Office and charged with corruption under Article 336 of the Criminal Code. Investigators allege he formed a stable group of security service employees and civilians for personal gain. A court subsequently ordered his detention.

The detentions follow significant personnel changes within the GKNB. On February 10, President Sadyr Japarov dismissed Kamchybek Tashiev from his positions as deputy chairman of the cabinet of ministers and head of the security services. Several of his deputies and unit leaders were also removed from their posts. Following Tashiev's resignation, law enforcement agencies initiated investigations into numerous cases involving former and current GKNB employees, with the Prosecutor General's Office reporting hundreds of complaints and several criminal cases related to corruption.