Director Detained for Extorting Up to $10,000 from Entrepreneurs at Kara-Suu Market
Illegal Collection of Money Uncovered in Kyrgyzstan’s Turatali Market
The State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS) has reported on the systematic illegal collection of money from entrepreneurs operating in the wholesale and retail trade at Turatali market in Kara-Suu. The director of the market, using her official position, has been demanding annual payments ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 from tenants for the conclusion and renewal of lease agreements. Tenants were coerced into handing over the required amounts to her, with the threat of having their containers demolished if they did not comply.
After the transfer of $5,000 on January 24, the director was detained and taken to the temporary detention center of SCNS. A search of her residence resulted in the seizure of $135,600, 1,113,800 soms, various gold items such as earrings, rings, and chains, as well as 10 gold bars with a total weight of 1 kilogram. Additionally, a Range Rover car manufactured in 2017 was also confiscated.
These revelations highlight the issue of corruption and abuse of power within the Kyrgyzstan market system. The SCNS’s actions in uncovering and addressing this illegal activity are a step towards ensuring fair and ethical business practices in the region.
