Kyrgyzstan’s Ex-Kingmaker Matraimov Returns as State Enemy
Former Kyrgyz customs official Raimbek Matraimov, once known as a powerful and infamous figure, has returned to his homeland amidst allegations of a plot to assassinate members of President Sadyr Japarov’s government. Matraimov, along with three of his brothers, was successfully extradited from Baku to Kyrgyzstan on March 26. The Kyrgyz State Committee for National Security confirmed that Matraimov is facing charges of unlawful deprivation of liberty and money laundering.
The motive behind the alleged assassination plot remains unclear, but the UKMK claims it was to eliminate the Kyrgyz administration due to its efforts to combat organized crime groups in the post-Soviet space. Matraimov’s links to a criminal group based in Baku reportedly emerged during the investigation, leading to his extradition.
Matraimov, along with criminal kingpin Kamchybek Kolbaev, had been the subject of US government sanctions. Both men had enjoyed impunity in Kyrgyzstan until recent crackdowns on organized crime figures by the Japarov and Tashiev regime. Rumors of a business relationship between Matraimov and Kolbaev were substantiated by investigative reports linking them to a smuggling and money-laundering enterprise.
The fall from power for Matraimov and his associates has been swift, with politicians and lawmakers previously associated with him now facing scrutiny and consequences for their ties. The crackdown on criminal networks and the alleged assassination plot against government officials are seen as part of a larger effort by the ruling regime to consolidate power and uphold the rule of law.
The case of Matraimov and his associates reflects a changing political landscape in Kyrgyzstan, where once-influential figures are now being held accountable for their actions. The extradition and charges against Matraimov mark a significant shift from the impunity he once enjoyed, signaling a new era of accountability for those involved in corruption and criminal activities.
