Kyrgyzstan News Online — Latest Events in Bishkek and the Regions | MTS.kg
Incidents / Exclusive

GKNB: Former Head of GNS Admits Guilt, 4.3 Billion Som Returned to the State

In connection with the recent guilty verdict issued by the Lenin District Court of Bishkek, the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) commented on the case of former head of the Tax Service, Altynbek Abduvapov, and his deputy, Islambek Kydyrgychov. Both defendants were detained on December 6, 2024, as part of a criminal case initiated under Article 337, Part 3 "Abuse of Official Position" of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic.

14.01.2026, 15:18
Economy

The GKNB commented on the court's verdict against former head of the GNS Abduvapa and his ex-deputy.

The press service of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) of the Kyrgyz Republic has published clarifications regarding the decision made by the Lenin District Court of Bishkek concerning the accused: former head of the tax service Altynbek Abduvapov and his deputy Islambek Kydyrgychev. According to the agency, the arrest of the two individuals was the result of a criminal case initiated by the GKNB in December 2024 under part 3 of article 337 "Abuse of official position"

14.01.2026, 15:14
Economy

Deputy: Farmers in the Talas Region are selling beans below cost price

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh held on January 14, 2026, Deputy Dastanbek Jumabekov stated that farmers in the region are in a critical condition. The reason for this is the constant decline in bean prices. He reminded that he had previously discussed this problem with the Minister of Agriculture Bakyt Torobaev, who promised to find a solution; however, the situation continues to worsen.

14.01.2026, 15:13
Health

Free Replacement of Lifelong Driver's Licenses: The Number of Drivers in Karakol Willing to Undergo Medical Examination Has Increased

In Karakol, the number of drivers seeking to undergo medical examinations has noticeably increased following the introduction of free replacement of indefinite driver's licenses. From January 15 to February 15 of this year, the Presidential Administration announced the possibility of free replacement of indefinite driver's licenses in Kyrgyzstan.

14.01.2026, 15:12
Samsung and Apple maintained their leadership in smartphone shipments worldwide
World

Samsung and Apple maintained their leadership in smartphone shipments worldwide

According to preliminary data from the research company IDC Tracker, last year the South Korean corporation Samsung and the American company Apple maintained their leading positions in smartphone shipments in the global market. This was reported by RIA Novosti. According to IDC, Apple sold 247.8 million smartphones, accounting for 19.7% of the total global sales, which is 6.3% more than last year. In the fourth quarter, shipments increased by 4.9% compared to the same period, reaching 81.3

14.01.2026, 15:10
National producers will become partners in the capital's school milk program
World

National producers will become partners in the capital's school milk program

The "Dairy Immunity" program will be implemented in stages, and this year national producers will join forces to provide milk for 189,600 students in grades 1-5 of public schools in the capital. The goal of the program is to support the growth and development of schoolchildren in Ulaanbaatar. A visit by Ulaanbaatar Mayor Nyambaatar Khishgee and other officials took place at the Harumafudzi dairy farm, where they discussed the details of the milk provision program for schoolchildren.

14.01.2026, 15:05
Politics

The President's Administration Responded to the Scandalous Statement by Vladimir Solovyov

Askhat Alagozov, the press secretary of the president, commented on the controversial statement made by Russian television host Vladimir Solovyov. On the air of a state channel, he suggested considering the possibility of military intervention in the affairs of Armenia and the Central Asian republics to keep them within Russia's "sphere of influence." Alagozov noted: "Statements of this kind should be perceived as empty and unserious, which often happens during

14.01.2026, 14:58
Politics

Changing shoes in mid-air. How deputies voted before and after the speaker mentioned the president

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh on January 14, the parliamentarians did not discuss the bill on state awards, which had sparked heated debates. Before the discussion began, the president's representative in parliament, Almasbek Abytov, proposed to exclude the issue from the agenda due to the absence of a speaker. However, Deputy Kamila Talieva disagreed and suggested rejecting the bill.

14.01.2026, 14:57
Volcano Merapi Erupted in Indonesia
World

Volcano Merapi Erupted in Indonesia

On Wednesday morning, the Merapi volcano in Indonesia's West Sumatra province erupted, accompanied by the release of volcanic ash up to 1.6 kilometers above the crater. This was reported by the ANTARA news agency. According to a statement from Ahmad Rifandi, a representative of the volcano observation post, the eruption occurred at 09:36 local time (05:36 Moscow time). The ash column reached a height of about 1,600 meters above the volcano's summit.

14.01.2026, 14:57
In Kemin, a pensioner was brutally murdered: police detained two suspects
Society

In Kemin, a pensioner was brutally murdered: police detained two suspects

In Kemin, local law enforcement agencies detained two men suspected of murdering a pensioner. This was reported by the press service of the Main Department of Internal Affairs of the Chui region. According to the information, on January 11 at 13:10, the police received a signal that a man's body had been found in one of the houses in the city. The investigative group that arrived at the scene established that the victim was 66-year-old A.A., born in 1960, whose body had multiple stab

14.01.2026, 14:53
Italy will build 100,000 new apartments. With moderate rent and the right to buy.
Exclusive

Italy will build 100,000 new apartments. With moderate rent and the right to buy.

The key aspects of the new housing plan will be measures aimed at addressing housing affordability issues. The government plans to hold discussions with social partners, including trade unions and businesses, to clarify the details of implementation soon. How will the process be organized? Rent to Buy Young people, couples, and divorced parents will be able to rent housing at a reasonable price, with the option to purchase it later at a set price. This offer is aimed at those who cannot buy an

14.01.2026, 14:50
Quotas, Benefits, and Accessible Environment. Support for Persons with Disabilities in Kyrgyzstan
Society

Quotas, Benefits, and Accessible Environment. Support for Persons with Disabilities in Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, measures are actively being implemented to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and to create an accessible environment. This was reported by Ainura Orozbaeva, Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration, on the air of Birinchi Radio. She noted that a key event was the adoption of a new law on persons with disabilities in 2025, which was signed by the president. This law aims at the practical implementation of the provisions of the UN Convention on the

14.01.2026, 14:48
Ulaanbaatar to Update Municipal Fleet by Adding 71 Vehicles in 2026
World

Ulaanbaatar to Update Municipal Fleet by Adding 71 Vehicles in 2026

The continuation of the fleet update is scheduled for 2026, when the arrival of 71 new units is expected, including vehicles for snow removal, barrier washing, garbage trucks, street sweepers, and pumps for flood control. These vehicles will be transferred for maintenance to contracted service companies under a five-year lease with no interest and no down payment. This scheme will help avoid financial difficulties during the fleet modernization and will allow operators to form a targeted fund

14.01.2026, 14:47
Economy

How Apartment Prices in Bishkek Grew in 2025. Infographic

According to the data from the State Agency for Land Resources, Cadastre, Geodesy, and Cartography (GASRKG), the average price per square meter of housing in Bishkek increased by 23.8% from January to December 2025. As of the end of December 2025, the cost of one square meter in the capital amounted to 126,277 soms, while at the beginning of the year this figure was 101,991 soms.

14.01.2026, 14:47
Health

The deputy raised issues of clinic accessibility and the shortage of medicines in the Uzgen district.

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh on January 14, Deputy Gulnara Baatyrova drew attention to healthcare issues affecting several localities in the Osh region. She noted that a new polyclinic building had been constructed in the village of Myrzaka in the Uzgen district, which operates within a group of family doctors. However, according to Baatyrova, it is located on the outskirts of the village, creating difficulties for both residents and medical staff in terms of access to the facility.

14.01.2026, 14:46
The Foreign Ministers of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan Held a Phone Conversation
World

The Foreign Ministers of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan Held a Phone Conversation

During the conversation, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, the ministers discussed the agenda of upcoming bilateral and multilateral events. They also reviewed the current state of relations between the two countries and developed specific proposals for further deepening the strategic partnership. Furthermore, both sides once again emphasized their readiness to develop cooperation on a constructive and forward-looking basis.

14.01.2026, 14:37
Suspects in a Knife Robbery Attack Detained in Bishkek
Incidents

Suspects in a Knife Robbery Attack Detained in Bishkek

According to information provided by the Main Department of Internal Affairs of the capital, law enforcement officers have detained suspects in a robbery that occurred in the residential area of "Kalyis-Ordo". As reported by the First May District Department of Internal Affairs, on January 6 at 4:18 AM, a citizen named E.M. reported to them. He stated that strangers had broken the window of his Honda Fit, beaten him, and inflicted a knife wound to his thigh. After that, the criminals

14.01.2026, 14:36
Politics

Four citizens have submitted applications to participate in the repeat elections for district No. 13

The Central Election Commission (CEC) reported that four candidates have submitted applications to participate in the elections for deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh for district No. 13 in the Jalal-Abad region. This information was received from 24.kg. Among the applicants are 61-year-old Akylbek Arstanbekov, 54-year-old Erkinbek Mamataev, 56-year-old Ulanbek Asanov, and 60-year-old Baktybek Asamudinov.

14.01.2026, 14:33
Two people died after a car fell through the ice of a lake
World

Two people died after a car fell through the ice of a lake

In the village of Khatgal, located in the Alag-Erdene somon of Khuvsgul province, emergency services and police quickly retrieved the bodies of the deceased and the car from the water. Authorities are currently continuing the investigation of the incident at the scene. In connection with the tragedy, authorities strongly urge the population to be cautious and avoid moving across frozen surfaces of lakes and rivers, as well as not to use unauthorized roads and ice crossings. Experts warn that

14.01.2026, 14:22
Ecology

Storm Warning: A Sharp Drop in Temperature Expected Across the Republic from January 17-19

According to the information from Kyrgyzhydromet, a sharp deterioration in weather conditions is expected in Kyrgyzstan on January 16 during the day and on January 17: snowfall, with heavy precipitation in some areas. Wet snow is also expected to accumulate on wires and trees, and fog is anticipated in certain regions. Snow drifts and icy conditions may occur on roads, while mountain areas may experience snow drifts. An increase in the strength of the western wind is forecasted in some places

14.01.2026, 14:21
Economy

Investments of $715 million: Nearly 8,500 jobs created in the Kyrgyz Republic in a year

In Kyrgyzstan, 8,471 new jobs were created last year, as reported by Iskandarbek Mamatov, head of the regional development policy department of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, on the air of "Birinchi Radio." According to him, in 2025, investments amounting to $715.7 million were attracted to the country, which contributed to the opening of new enterprises and the creation of jobs in various regions.

14.01.2026, 14:16
This month, more than 21 thousand tourists arrived in Mongolia
World

This month, more than 21 thousand tourists arrived in Mongolia

In January 2026, Mongolia welcomed 21,066 tourists, indicating a stable interest in winter travel. This also reflects the growing trends in winter tourism. This month, the largest number of visitors came from Russia, as well as from China, South Korea, Germany, Japan, and Kazakhstan. The summer period of 2025 marked the peak of the tourist season. However, the beginning of 2026, with over 20,000 tourists, demonstrates the results of successful initiatives aimed at developing winter tourism.

14.01.2026, 14:13
"Barcelona" aims to secure a permanent transfer for Marcus Rashford
Sports

"Barcelona" aims to secure a permanent transfer for Marcus Rashford

"Barcelona" wants to finalize the transfer of Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis after he had a successful year on loan from "Manchester United." Since his arrival last summer, Rashford has become an important part of the team, scoring 7 goals and providing 11 assists, as well as playing a key role in the club's triumph over "Real Madrid" in the Spanish Super Cup.

14.01.2026, 14:12
Economy

Agricultural Production in Kyrgyzstan Increased by 2% in January-November 2025, - EEC

The production of agricultural products in Kyrgyzstan showed a positive trend, increasing by 2% from January to November 2025. This data was announced on January 13 by the statistics department of the Eurasian Economic Commission. In particular, there is a 3% increase in milk production, as well as a 3.3% rise in the number of livestock and poultry. Egg production has increased even more significantly – by 8.7%.

14.01.2026, 14:11
Former head of the State Tax Service and his deputy compensated the state for damages amounting to 4.3 billion soms
Society / Exclusive

Former head of the State Tax Service and his deputy compensated the state for damages amounting to 4.3 billion soms

The former head of the State Tax Service (GNS) and his deputy compensated the state for damages amounting to 4 billion 307 million soms, as reported by the press service of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) of Kyrgyzstan. According to the GKNB, A.A.K. and K.I.N. were detained on December 6, 2024, as part of a criminal case initiated under Article 337, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, concerning abuse of office. These crimes were committed before the

14.01.2026, 14:11
Famous Russian actor Igor Zolotovitsky has died
Society

Famous Russian actor Igor Zolotovitsky has died

Photo from the internet Igor Zolotovitsky, rector of the MKhAT school-studio, as well as an actor, teacher, and director, has passed away at the age of 64, reports Meduza. Zolotovitsky, who began leading the MKhAT school-studio in 2013, also taught acting. He died in the hospital due to an oncological disease.

14.01.2026, 14:11
The UK has announced its medal targets for the Winter Games
Sports

The UK has announced its medal targets for the Winter Games

The Olympic team aims to win between 4 and 8 medals, exceeding the previous record of 5 medals set at the Sochi Games in 2014 and Pyeongchang in 2018. The Paralympic team, in turn, is hoping for 2–5 medals, demonstrating cautious optimism amid existing challenges.

14.01.2026, 14:10
Bishkek CHPP Transferred to Enhanced Mode
Society

Bishkek CHPP Transferred to Enhanced Mode

Due to the worsening weather conditions, the Bishkek CHPP has announced a transition to an increased readiness mode, reported the city administration. According to the provided information, emergency services have been strengthened to ensure uninterrupted heating and electricity supply, and round-the-clock duty of technical and operational personnel has been organized. In addition, additional control over the operation of main and auxiliary equipment has been introduced.

14.01.2026, 14:10
Russia spent a record amount on Brazilian beef
World

Russia spent a record amount on Brazilian beef

Last year, Russia significantly increased its import of frozen beef from Brazil, spending $472.8 million on it — the highest amount since 2015, according to data collected by RIA Novosti based on the export statistics of the South American country. According to the agency's information, meat purchases from Brazil have shown steady growth over the past four years. Compared to 2021, the volume of imports increased by 1.8 times, making 2022 the most successful year in the last decade — in

14.01.2026, 14:09
Sports

Kyrgyzstan Championship: "Toktogul" strengthened by defender of the Georgian national team

The football club "Toktogul," a newcomer to the Kyrgyzstan Premier League, has announced the signing of new players. Joining the team from the city of the same name is Georgian national team defender Solomon Kvirkvelia, as well as forward Eldar Moldojunusov from Kyrgyzstan. 33-year-old Kvirkvelia has played for various clubs throughout his career, including Kazan's "Rubin" (87 matches), Moscow's "Lokomotiv" (80 matches), Ukraine's

14.01.2026, 14:09
Society

The court fined a woman for slapping her ex-husband. What’s wrong here?

A woman was fined 10,000 soms by the Sverdlovsk District Court for slapping her ex-husband. This was reported by lawyer Nurbek Toktakunov on his social media page. Toktakunov noted that this man had subjected his ex-wife to both physical and psychological abuse for a long time. To support his claims, there are 16 protection orders, as well as a decision from the Lenin District Court regarding the case of "Torture".

14.01.2026, 14:09
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan: No casualties among citizens during protests in Iran, citizens urged not to participate in demonstrations
World

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan: No casualties among citizens during protests in Iran, citizens urged not to participate in demonstrations

In his address, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Akhror Burkhanov, urged Uzbek citizens in Iran to refrain from participating in rallies and demonstrations, avoid places of mass gatherings, and strictly adhere to personal safety measures as stated in the message. Since December, protests have been ongoing in Iran due to the collapse of the national currency and a sharp increase in prices. Participants in these protests are demanding a change of government. According to

14.01.2026, 14:09
Seyed Marandi spoke about the reasons for the outbreak of violence on the streets of Iran
Politics

Seyed Marandi spoke about the reasons for the outbreak of violence on the streets of Iran

Seyed Mohammad Marandi, a professor at Tehran University, describes the events in Iran in his interview as part of a cyclical process of external pressure and attempts at destabilization. He emphasizes that Western countries have been predicting the "fall of the regime" for many years, and this forecast periodically resurfaces. However, in his opinion, such expectations are misguided, as "the state has the support of the majority," and predictions of collapse are based on

14.01.2026, 14:08
Incidents

The GKNB detained the former vice-mayor of Bishkek in connection with the case of 22 million euros for the landfill.

A criminal case has been initiated against former officials of the Bishkek city administration and leaders of contracting companies on charges of corruption. This case is related to the public procurement conducted as part of a project to improve the solid waste management system and the construction of a new landfill, according to information from the press center of the State Committee for National Security. In 2015, a credit organization allocated 22 million euros to the Bishkek city

14.01.2026, 14:03
Economy

Over 19 million fish fry released into Issyk-Kul and Son-Kul lakes in 2025

- As part of its activities in 2025, the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry released 13.6 million fry into Lake Issyk-Kul and 5.6 million into Lake Son-Kul, as reported by the agency's press service. According to information provided by the Institute of Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, Lake Issyk-Kul is home to 26 different species of fish. In the previous year, 2024, 21.5 million fry were

14.01.2026, 14:00
In the President's Administration of Kyrgyzstan, Solovyov's statements were called unserious.
Society

In the President's Administration of Kyrgyzstan, Solovyov's statements were called unserious.

The press secretary of the President of Kyrgyzstan, Askhat Alagozov, reported that representatives of the media have repeatedly approached him with questions about whether there will be any official statement from the authorities in response to the remarks made by Russian journalist Vladimir Solovyov. He noted that such statements should be perceived as one of the empty and unserious assertions coming from Solovyov during his lengthy broadcasts on various topics.

14.01.2026, 13:59