Interpol suspends search for Chechen citizen in Allamjonov assassination case

north_east

Komil Allamjonov seeks protection for hs employees facing unfair detention

At the end of last year, it was reported that Russian citizens Bislan Rasayev and Shamil Temirkhanov had been placed on Interpol’s wanted list in connection with the attempted assassination of Komil Allamjonov, former head of the Information Policy Department of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan. This information was also confirmed by the Prosecutor General's Office of Uzbekistan.  

However, recent updates show that Bislan Rasayev has been removed from Uzbekistan’s list of wanted individuals. This can be verified through the official Interpol website. Currently, Uzbekistan is still searching for 31-year-old Shamil Temirkhanov and 40-year-old Feruz Ahmadjonov, though it is unclear whether the latter is directly linked to the Allamjonov case.  

Shamil Temirkhanov is suspected of crimes including illegal border crossing, failure to report a crime, and illegal possession of firearms. Meanwhile, Feruz Ahmadjonov is wanted on charges of human trafficking.  

It remains uncertain whether Rasayev’s removal from the wanted list indicates his arrest or if the search for him has been suspended for other reasons. Uzbek law enforcement agencies have yet to provide any official clarification on the matter.  

Previously, Odiljon Tojiev, a deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, strongly condemned Ramzan Kadyrov’s alleged interference in Uzbekistan’s internal affairs. He also criticized Kadyrov’s threats against Uzbek officials Komil Allamjonov and Dmitry Liga, urging him to either apologize to the Uzbek people or assist in locating and extraditing the wanted suspects to Uzbekistan.  

Attempted assassination of Allamjonov

On October 26, 2024, at 01:40, two unknown individuals opened fire on a Range Rover driven by citizen S.S. on Ifor Street, Kibray District. The attackers quickly fled the scene, and no injuries were reported.  

Following the incident, the Prosecutor General's Office launched a criminal case under Articles 25, 97 (Attempted murder) and 248 (Illegal trafficking of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or explosive devices) of the Criminal Code. A special investigative team, including members from the Prosecutor General's Office, Tashkent regional and city law enforcement, military and transport prosecutors, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Customs Committee, was formed to handle the case. 

The attempted assassination of Komil Allamjonov, a former official in the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, has been described as an unprecedented event in the country’s history over the past 25-30 years. This incident has raised significant public concern and led to major dismissals within Uzbekistan’s security and law enforcement agencies.  

Among those removed from their positions are:  

- Lieutenant General Abdusalom Azizov – Former Chairman of the State Security Service (SSS)  
- Colonel Akhrorjon Atkhamov – Head of the Criminal Investigation Service of the Rapid Investigation Department, Ministry of Internal Affairs  
- Colonel Doniyor Toshkhozhaev – First Deputy Head of the Tashkent City Department of Internal Affairs  
- Lieutenant Colonel Temur Sobirov – Head of the Organized Crime Department, Rapid Investigation Service, Tashkent City Department of Internal Affairs  
- Colonel Alijon Ashurov – Former Head of the Internal Security Department, SSS  
- Sarvar Ashurov – Assistant to the Prime Minister, Head of the Prime Minister's Reception Office  

While no official statement has confirmed whether these dismissals are directly linked to the assassination attempt, the timing suggests a connection.  

Shortly after the Allamjonov incident, media reports surfaced about an alleged assassination attempt on Dmitry Li, the director of the National Agency for Promising Projects of Uzbekistan. Though details remain scarce, some sources claim this attack may also be tied to the same network responsible for targeting Allamjonov.  

Uzbekistan has issued Interpol red notices for two Russian Chechen citizens suspected of carrying out the attack:  

- Bislan Rasayev (born May 26, 1988, Russia) – Previously accused of participating in armed conflicts in Ukraine.  
- Shamil Temurkhanov (born August 10, 1993, Russia) – Described as 1.90 meters tall and weighing 90 kg.  

A red notice indicates that the suspects are wanted for serious criminal offenses. However, Rasayev was recently removed from the list, raising questions about whether he has been arrested or if his search was suspended for other reasons. Uzbek authorities have not provided further clarification.  

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has weighed in on the situation, making a controversial statement directed at Allamjonov and Liga.  

"I advise you not to play the role of victims, Komil Allamjonov and Dmitry Liga. Whatever you are planning, it is better to stop in time, otherwise you will have to answer for all the intrigues, slander, and speculation. And now I am talking about the answer according to our traditions," Kadyrov warned.  

This remark has sparked strong reactions in Uzbekistan. Odiljon Tojiev, a deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, condemned Kadyrov’s interference in Uzbekistan’s internal affairs and demanded an official apology. Tojiev also called on Kadyrov to assist Uzbek authorities in locating and extraditing the suspects.  

Additionally, Rasul Kusherboev, an advisor to the Minister of Ecology and a well-known public activist, suggested implementing stricter security checks on Chechen nationals entering Uzbekistan.  

The assassination attempt and subsequent political fallout have highlighted serious security concerns in Uzbekistan. With high-ranking dismissals, escalating diplomatic tensions, and ongoing criminal investigations, the case continues to develop, leaving many questions unanswered.