High-ranking official at State Tax Service arrested for corrupt behavior
Deputy Chairman of State Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan detained for corruption in World Bank project
The Deputy Chairman of the State Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan, Dubanaev Adilet Sabyrbekovich, has been detained and placed in a pre-trial detention center as part of a criminal case related to corruption in procurement under the World Bank project “Modernization of Tax Administration and Statistical System,” as reported by the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS).
Investigations have revealed that officials of the State Tax Service purchased goods and services amounting to $4,878,894, with certain items such as computer equipment, network equipment, and services being overpriced significantly.
For instance, a simple extension cord with connectors was acquired for $421 (37,000 soms), a connector that should cost around 20 soms was purchased for $11 (960 soms), and an office chair valued at about 3,500 soms was bought for $207 (18,000 soms).
The Internal Audit Service of the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic has found that the state suffered damage due to overvaluation amounting to $1,267,668 (more than 110 million soms).
The SCNS has stated that funds earmarked by international donors for the development of the country’s industries have been misappropriated by government officials over an extended period, leading to the improper implementation of projects.
The SCNS is currently conducting investigative and operational activities to uncover other officials and individuals involved in the corruption scheme.
