Court Sentences Director and Employees of Ayu LLC
The Pervomaisky District Court in Bishkek has completed its investigation into a criminal case involving the managers of Ayu LLC. The director of the company, Tynybek Isaev, and his colleagues were found guilty of various charges under the Criminal Code, but Isaev was acquitted of the charge of money laundering.
Isaev, who is related to alcohol magnate Sharshenbek Abdykerimov, was acquitted of charges related to creating an organized group and money laundering due to a lack of evidence. However, he was found guilty of counterfeiting excise stamps and sentenced to three years in prison, although he was released early due to an amnesty.
Three other employees of Ayu were also acquitted of money laundering but found guilty of illegal production of alcohol. They were sentenced to two years in prison but were released early due to amnesty.
Two individuals were found not guilty of illegal production of alcohol and acquitted.
Previously, President Sadyr Japarov announced that Ayu distillery would be nationalized, alleging tax evasion and involvement in alcohol smuggling.
Sharshenbek Abdykerimov, one of the wealthiest individuals in the country, owns Ayu company along with four other businesses. His companies have made significant contributions to the country’s budget, with Frunze Resort contributing the most in 2020, followed by Ak-Saray farm and Ayu LLC. Abdykerimov also has shares in other companies such as General Management Company and Ayu Construction company.
