Daughter of Kyrgyzstan’s former ambassador to Uzbekistan detained

Meyerim Uzakboyeva, the daughter of former Kyrgyz agriculture minister and former ambassador to Uzbekistan Emilbek Uzakboyev, has been detained in Kyrgyzstan on suspicion of corruption. She has been charged in a case related to the privatization of state property nearly 30 years ago, 24.kg reported.

The case is linked to the Kyrgyzayilkomok enterprise in Bishkek. Currently, 63 percent of the company’s shares are controlled by the Uzakboyev family.

According to the investigation, the case concerns a review of privatization processes that began in 1993, when property belonging to the state-owned enterprise was gradually transferred into private hands. Law enforcement agencies are now checking the legality of the purchase and transfer of shares at that time.

According to lawyer Akinbek Nogoyev, Meyerim Uzakboyeva was only 10 years old at the time and did not directly own the shares later. Nevertheless, the charges against her have raised questions among the public. The lawyer suggested that the case may involve political pressure or interest in the land plot. He said the enterprise occupies a large area that could be of interest for future construction projects.

Nogoyev also described the situation as unfair, criticizing the fact that a woman with three minor children is being held in custody while people linked to real corruption allegations remain free.

Although their appeal was sent to the president, it was referred back to the investigative authorities. The investigation has been ongoing for nearly two months, but no significant results have been reported so far.

The issue of reviewing privatization processes has also been discussed in the Kyrgyz parliament. Some lawmakers described the reopening of old deals after 15 to 20 years as “state-level raiding.”

Lawmakers also proposed setting strict limitation periods to protect businesses and investments, introducing an insurance system for risks related to privatization, and holding responsible officials, rather than entrepreneurs, accountable for past mistakes.