Kyrgyz Security Services Make Arrests over Large-Scale Smuggling Scheme at Chaldovar Checkpoint

Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (GKNB) has uncovered extensive corruption at the Chaldovar-Avtodorozhny checkpoint in the Chui region, where smugglers were illegally bringing in goods from Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries, Orda.kz reports.

According to the GKNB, customs officers, border guards, veterinary inspectors, and transport officials were all implicated in the scheme.

The operation was carried out through the companies TD Zhorgo and Radiant, registered to three Kyrgyz citizens, a local council member, and an Uzbek national. Officials said the networks were charging up to $2,000 per truck to cover up smuggling, falsifying cargo documentation to conceal the real volume and value of goods.

Daily collections at the checkpoint reached around 80,000 soms (close to 1,000 USD), with losses to the state budget estimated in the millions.

On September 18, two suspects were detained and reportedly gave testimony implicating more than 20 government employees.

GKNB head Kamchybek Tashiev noted that similar schemes are also operating at the Ak-Zhol and Ak-Tilek checkpoints. He called for the dismissal of all involved, the seizure of their property, and accountability for managers who allowed corruption to flourish.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina