Illegal Permits in Osh Cause 78 Million Som Loss; Criminal Cases Launched

Prosecutors in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, have uncovered significant violations in the subsoil use sector, resulting in state damages estimated at 78.6 million Kyrgyz soms (approximately $890,000). A comprehensive inspection by the Osh City Prosecutor's Office revealed instances of illegal permit issuance and exploitation of natural resources. The Prosecutor General's Office reported that city officials unlawfully granted 33 permits for the extraction of clay and gravel, despite the mayor's office lacking the necessary authority to issue such documents.

Further irregularities were found in the Japalak rural territorial administration, where pasture lands were allegedly allocated to private individuals based on forged resolutions. The investigation also scrutinized commercial enterprises operating along the Osh-Nookat highway. Some companies were found to be extracting sand and gravel beyond their licensed boundaries, leading to soil degradation and damage. These activities highlight a systemic issue of regulatory oversight and enforcement within the region's resource management.

In response to these findings, the Osh City Prosecutor's Office has initiated three criminal cases under Article 337 of the Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan, which pertains to abuse of official powers. Authorities are pursuing necessary legal actions and have issued directives to the Osh Mayor's Office and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision. These directives demand the annulment of all illegal permits and land acts, the revocation of licenses for violating companies, and the restoration of damaged lands. The documents are currently under review, signaling a move towards accountability for the alleged misconduct.