'Gild the Lily': Kyrgyz Police Officer Accused of Extortion by Kazakh Tourist

A Kazakhstani traveler has accused a Kyrgyz police officer of soliciting a bribe during his recent expedition, potentially tarnishing the country's image for tourists. Marat Sadikov, who recently completed a 36-day overland journey through Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, detailed the alleged encounter.

According to Sadikov, the incident took place in Korday, just before he was to cross the border back into Kazakhstan. He claims a police officer stopped his vehicle without properly identifying himself and demanded his documents. The officer then reportedly raised several objections regarding the car's equipment, specifically mentioning a regulation about having only one fog light covered by a protective casing.

Sadikov stated that the officer eventually extended his hand through the car window, implying a request for money. "In the end, he put his hand through the door with a hint of 'gild the lily.' I gave him the remaining som. The amount was small. I was very tired and didn't want to argue – I just wanted to go home," the traveler recounted.

He emphasized that during his extensive travels to over 20 countries across Europe and Asia, he had never encountered such treatment from officials towards Kazakh drivers. As of now, there has been no official comment from the Kyrgyz police regarding Sadikov's allegations. The publication has offered the police department an opportunity to present their side of the story.

“

In the end, he put his hand through the door with a hint of 'gild the lily.' I gave him the remaining som. The amount was small. I was very tired and didn't want to argue – I wanted to go home.