Kyrgyzstan’s SCNS Targets Crime Boss Kamchi Kolbaev: Assets Seized
Kamchybek Asanbek, also known as Kamchi Kolbaev, has been found to have illegally accumulated assets worth approximately $1 billion, according to the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS). The committee has reported that they have neutralized Kolbaev’s organized crime group and detained over 40 members involved in the group’s activities.
During their investigation, it was discovered that Kolbaev and his associates were engaged in extortion, raiding, and other serious criminal activities. They were also involved in the illegal acquisition and legalization of property and assets. The SCNS stated that Kolbaev systematically built a criminal empire over the years, aiming to enrich himself and his close allies. As his influence in the criminal environment grew, so did his illicit financial assets, including those obtained from both local and international entrepreneurs and businesses.
The SCNS emphasized that Kolbaev’s financial interests in criminal activities posed serious threats to national security and influenced political processes in the country. Some high-ranking officials and politicians were reported to have come under his influence or sought his support. To safeguard his illegal assets, Kolbaev and his associates created armed groups disguised as security agencies. However, these groups have now been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
The illegal assets of Kolbaev, his relatives, and associates consist of more than 850 properties, including luxurious mansions, cottages, apartments, clubs, and resorts. They also owned expensive luxury cars, jewelry, and other valuable properties. The investigation revealed that some of these assets were unlawfully taken from legitimate entrepreneurs and withdrawn from state ownership. Efforts will be made to return these properties to the rightful owners or government agencies.
The SCNS has already initiated procedures to convert some of the illegally acquired assets into state revenue. For instance, more than 700 apartments owned by Kolbaev in two construction projects have been transferred to the state. Another source of the group’s illegal enrichment was the systematic extortion of money from individuals in the penitentiary system, their relatives, and ordinary entrepreneurs.
The SCNS has pledged to eradicate such criminal practices and will focus on this issue, ensuring strict reactions to any wrongdoing. The preliminary total value of the seized assets acquired by Kolbaev unlawfully is estimated to be around $1 billion.
The committee plans to continue the search for Kolbaev’s illegal assets, both within the country and abroad. Investigations will be conducted in countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Turkey, the UAE (Dubai), and Japan, where Kolbaev had business interests.
It is important to note that Kamchi Kolbaev was eliminated during a special operation in Bishkek on October 4. The SCNS reported that he was detained but resisted arrest and was subsequently killed. Following his elimination, several crime bosses, including Ulan Toktosunov, Kadyrbek Dosonov, Ulan Barchakeev, Baktybek Amankulov, and Almazbek Ermekbaev, renounced their criminal activities and pledged to adhere to the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The SCNS remains committed to combating organized crime and ensuring the safety and security of the nation. Further investigations and actions will be taken to bring justice and protect the interests of the affected individuals and government agencies.
