The Chechen Connection in the Allamjonov Investigation: Complications in Uzbekistan
Earlier in December, INTERPOL issued red notices for two Russian citizens, Bislan Rasayev and Shamil Temirkhanov, who are identified as Chechens and are wanted by Uzbekistan. This development is related to an October assassination attempt on Komil Allamjonov, the former head of the Presidential Administration’s Information Policy Department, and an alleged plot targeting Dmitry Li, the head of Uzbekistan’s National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP).
On December 27, Uzbekistan’s Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed the involvement of the two individuals, stating they were wanted in connection with “illegal entry into the Republic of Uzbekistan, failure to report a crime, and illegal trafficking of firearms.”
The Allamjonov case has continued to unfold, shedding light on complex layers with each new update. Following the attack, two individuals, Shokhrukh Ahmedov and Ismoil Jahongirov, appeared in a video on social media claiming responsibility. Both names had previously been linked to a 2021 assassination attempt on critics of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in Türkiye.
By November 2024, Uzbekistan’s Prosecutor General’s Office had identified seven individuals in connection to the case. Five suspects were detained shortly after the attack, while two others — referred to as “K.S.” and Javlon Yunusov — were placed on wanted lists. Yunusov, who was detained in South Korea, was extradited to Uzbekistan, and investigative measures were conducted with “K.S.” in Kazakhstan.
The involvement of Chechen individuals brought Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Russia’s Chechen Republic, into the spotlight. On December 26, Kadyrov addressed the matter on Telegram, denying any involvement in the case and accusing Western media of fabricating ties.
In his statement, Kadyrov wrote, “If I had prepared [the assassination] I would have completed the matter that very day.” He also issued a stern warning to Allamjonov and Li, stating, “Do not play the role of victims. Whatever you are planning, it is better to stop in time, or you will have to answer for all the intrigues… according to our traditions.”
Kadyrov’s comments elicited a strong response within Uzbekistan. Former MP Rasul Kusherbaev labeled Kadyrov’s remarks as “terrorism,” urging the Uzbek government to respond decisively. Current MP Odiljon Tojiyev suggested Kadyrov should assist in apprehending Rasayev and Temirkhanov if he considers himself a friend of Uzbekistan.
