“Salimbayvachcha” holds full control over southern Kyrgyzstan - Tashiev (video)

north_east

Salim Abduvaliyev, better known as "Salimbayvachcha," has gained complete control over the southern region of neighboring Kyrgyzstan. This statement was made by Kamchibek Tashiev, Chairman of the National Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan, during a meeting on January 16 with Deputy Ministers of Education and Science, as well as rectors of higher education institutions and directors of vocational schools and colleges.

"Our country began to bow to the leaders of organized crime from other countries. For example, 'Salimbayvachcha' in Uzbekistan had full control over the southern part of our country. All the leaders of organized crime in the south, major businessmen, and even some political figures, including members of parliament, sought him out, spoke to him, and followed his orders. Do you understand? This will no longer happen. Our country will develop independently. Organized crime will not be tolerated," Tashiev stated.

He also discussed the severe issue of organized crime in Kyrgyzstan a few years ago, mentioning the influence of "thieves in law" and supervisors who had seized power throughout the country. Tashiev explained why the notorious criminal figure Kamchi Kulbayev, known as "Kolya Kyrgyz" in international criminal circles, was killed during his arrest in 2023.

Kamchibek Kulboev, a prominent Kyrgyz criminal authority, was killed on October 4, 2023, during a special operation by National Security officers in Bishkek. The so-called "thief in law" had a long history in the criminal underworld and was 49 years old when he was shot and killed by a security officer.

Tashiev further explained that the criminal groups operated with a structure similar to the state system, with "thieves in law" at the top, followed by regional "supervisors" and "Smotryashchi" (overseers) who extorted money from entrepreneurs and others. The groups had a powerful and organized structure that controlled much of the country. 

"We had to take decisive action. I made the difficult decision to eliminate the 'thief in law' for the sake of the state. We acted, and he was eliminated. We then eliminated his accomplices and other organized crime members. Today, our country is free from this disorder. There is no organized crime in Kyrgyzstan. This is the only country in Central Asia—and possibly in the former Soviet states—that is currently free from organized crime," Tashiev asserted.

Tashiev’s comments highlight the significant steps taken by Kyrgyzstan to combat organized crime, particularly in the wake of the crackdown on powerful criminal figures such as "Kolya Kyrgyz."