Police investigate bomb threat at Bishkek shopping center, 500,000 soms demanded

Police in Bishkek are actively investigating a bomb threat that disrupted operations at the TSUM shopping center on August 22, 2026. The incident began around 3:35 p.m. when an unidentified man contacted authorities with a specific demand and a tight deadline.

The caller threatened to detonate a bomb within the TSUM building unless 500,000 soms were transferred to him within 15 minutes. This alarming threat prompted an immediate response from law enforcement.

Officers from the Sverdlovsky district's Internal Affairs Department, including an investigative and operational team, have secured the scene. As a precautionary measure, the shopping center and its surrounding area have been cordoned off, and all visitors and staff have been evacuated. Cynologists with service dogs from the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Special Operations Service are also present, conducting thorough inspections of the building and the vicinity.

Authorities are employing all necessary measures to identify the individual responsible, locate his whereabouts, and verify the credibility of the threat. Kyrgyz law stipulates liability for knowingly making false reports of dangerous acts. Further information will be released as the investigation progresses.