Turkmenistan sends funds to secure release of detained official in Russia

Earlier, it was reported that Khidir Rahmonov, Director General of Turkmenistan’s state-owned Demirýollary company, and his partner had been detained in Russia. According to TurkmenNews, a Turkmen government representative and a lawyer with close ties to the Russian State Duma are attempting to secretly secure Rahmonov’s release from custody and return him to Turkmenistan while he awaits trial on drug smuggling charges.

Rahmonov was reportedly detained on October 4, 2025, at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport with a synthetic psychoactive substance. He and his companion had passed through the CIP lounge before boarding a flight to Ashgabat. When officials attempted to inspect his belongings, Rahmonov objected. After customs officers reportedly received a phone call, he was allowed to pass without inspection.

The report claims that Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov is involved in efforts to secure Rahmonov’s release. Lawyer Roman Kuchin has been hired to represent him. Sources say the family hopes that Kuchin’s connections within the Moscow Prosecutor’s Office, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office, and the State Duma will help secure a suspended sentence and deportation.

However, Article 229.1 of Russia’s Criminal Code, which covers drug and psychotropic substance smuggling, does not предусматривает suspended sentences. The charges against Rahmonov involve large-scale smuggling, which carries a potential prison term of 10 to 20 years and a fine of up to 1 million rubles (about $12,900).

Sources claim that $3 million was sent from Ashgabat via diplomatic mail to resolve the case through informal channels. Turkmenistan.ru editor-in-chief Mikhail Pereplesnin and Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Russia, Esen Aydogdiyev, are said to be involved in searching for intermediaries, while Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov is reportedly overseeing the matter. Some sources describe Rahmonov as one of Meredov’s “financial backers.”

Lawyer Roman Kuchin denied claims that he was hired to secure a suspended sentence and deportation, saying the allegations are “not true” and declining further comment. Rahmonov’s brother, Arkach Rahmonov, an officer in the Turkmen presidential security service, also refused to comment.

On December 4, Rahmonov’s pre-trial detention was extended by two months. He has been held in custody in Russia since October 6, 2025, pending investigation into the smuggling case.

Earlier, Rahmonov and his partner were reported to have been placed in a pre-trial detention center following their arrest.

E’zoza Olimova