Former Kara-Kul Mayor and other ex-officials detained amid corruption probe

Authorities in Kyrgyzstan have arrested four former officials, including the ex-mayor of Kara-Kul city, on corruption charges. The State Committee for National Security (GKNB) announced the discovery of corrupt practices within the city's mayor's office, specifically related to the construction of a social housing project.

The investigation focused on a multi-family apartment building constructed between 2024 and 2025 in the "Seventh" microdistrict, intended to house 32 families in need. The GKNB reported that the building, previously under the mayor's office's balance, had been left unused. During its construction, numerous violations of Kyrgyz law were identified, particularly concerning the tender process for construction and finishing works, as well as the compilation of supervisory and technical conclusions.

These irregularities resulted in an estimated loss of 9,985,400 soms (approximately $113,000 USD) to the state budget. The GKNB stated that the identified damages were a direct consequence of these violations.

A criminal case has been initiated under Article 337 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, pertaining to the abuse of official position. Those detained include the former mayor, identified only by initials O.N.O., the former head of the municipal property management department K.M.S., a former construction specialist M.A.A., and the individual responsible for construction technical supervision, I.M.A. All four have been placed in a temporary detention facility as the investigation and operational measures continue.