Bakiyev's People Are Involved: Wife of Kazakh Businessman Almaz Zaripov Appeals to Toqayev

The case of Kazakh businessman Almaz Zaripov, detained in Bishkek on suspicion of large-scale fraud, is gaining further attention, Orda.kz reports.

His wife, Anar Zhumabayeva, has issued a public appeal to President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev, alleging that Kazakh entrepreneurs in Kyrgyzstan are being pressured in detention, their assets seized, and ransom demands made.

According to Zhumabayeva, Zaripov was detained by Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (GKNB) on August 22, the same day as President Toqayev’s official visit to Bishkek. She claims the charges are based on a 13-year-old case without evidence.

These people are currently extorting $2.5 million from us while simultaneously carrying out a hostile takeover of the Kazbrand plant, located in a special economic zone,
she said.

Zhumabayeva stressed that her husband, head of the Public Chamber of Grain Processors of Kazakhstan and founder of Kazbrand — a producer of instant noodles, sauces, and desserts — provides jobs for hundreds of families.

Her appeal also included allegations against a former Kyrgyz parliament member linked to ex-president Kurmanbek Bakiyev, claiming his statement triggered the arrest.

The basis for the arrest was a statement from a former member of parliament and close associate of Bakiyev, who was himself wanted by Interpol. This person is using the names of Kyrgyzstan's top officials and may be acting behind their backs. I don't believe the leadership of our neighboring country is behind this. I've contacted all the relevant authorities, but the situation remains unresolved,
 Zhumabayeva said.

 She further noted that Zaripov’s case is not isolated:

The most frightening thing is that this is the third case of illegal detention of Kazakhstani businessmen in August alone. Kazakhs and Kyrgyz have always been fraternal peoples, but now, due to the lawlessness of certain individuals, we are truly afraid to travel to you. I ask you, dear Qasym-Jomart Kemelevich, to intervene in this situation and protect the rights of my husband and all citizens of Kazakhstan,
she added.

The fraud case itself dates back to March 2025, when two Bishkek residents told the GKNB that Zaripov, 51, had gained their trust and offered a grain supply deal from Kazakhstan. They transferred $2.5 million, after which he allegedly cut off contact and disappeared.

He was arrested in August.

The GKNB later reported that Zaripov admitted guilt and had begun compensating the losses. The investigation is ongoing.

Original Author: Alina Pak