Kyrgyzstan officials must now report corruption attempts

In Kyrgyzstan, government officials are now legally obligated to report any attempts to involve them in corrupt activities. A recent resolution, approved by Cabinet of Ministers head Adylbek Kasymaliev, establishes a clear procedure for reporting such incidents.

This new directive mandates that all civil servants, heads of state institutions and enterprises, and employees of legal entities with state ownership must report any overtures aimed at corrupting them. The notification must be submitted within 24 hours of the approach, either in writing or electronically, to their employer, the prosecutor's office, law enforcement agencies, or other authorized anti-corruption bodies.

The specific channel for reporting depends on the nature of the attempted corruption. If the circumstances do not immediately suggest a crime but warrant an internal review, the report goes to the employer. However, cases involving bribery, commercial bribery, abuse of power, or other criminal acts must be reported to the prosecutor's office or law enforcement. In situations where the official's life or health is directly threatened, an oral report is permissible, to be followed by a written statement.

The regulation requires detailed information, including the applicant's data, the time, place, and circumstances of the approach, details about the person attempting to solicit corruption, their demands, and any potential witnesses or evidence. Crucially, the regulation provides robust guarantees for the protection of the reporting individual. They are shielded from dismissal, transfer, persecution, or disciplinary measures, ensuring a safe environment for exposing corruption.