Photo from the internet. Altynbek Abduvayev and Islambek Kydyrgychov
The former head of the Tax Service, Altynbek Abduvayev, and his deputy, Islambek Kydyrgychov, received a court sentence, finding them guilty of abuse of power under the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic. They were fined 400,000 and 300,000 soms, respectively, and were deprived of the right to hold certain positions and receive state awards.
We remind you that on December 5, 2024, during a parliamentary meeting, the head of the State National Security Committee, Kamchybek Tashiev, reported that tax officials had created a corruption scheme related to electronic waybills, which caused damage to the country's budget amounting to 3.2 billion soms.
After the verdict was announced, the State National Security Committee was forced to make a statement, indicating that all participants in the case admitted their guilt and compensated the state for a total of 4 billion 307 million soms. "The crimes were committed before the amendments came into force, which tightened responsibility for corruption crimes, so the court applied the norms of the previous Criminal Code, allowing for fines in case of admission of guilt," the agency stated.
In Bishkek, more than 20 people were poisoned at the public catering point "Daamduu." According to reports, 18 people were hospitalized, including 4 children. Thirteen of the victims are receiving inpatient treatment, while the others are receiving outpatient care. The first symptoms of poisoning appeared on January 15 after consuming shawarma.
Interestingly, in the summer of 2025, a mass poisoning also occurred at "Daamduu" at the intersection of Baytik Baatyr and Suerkulov streets, affecting more than 20 people. At that time, the cause of the poisoning was meat minced meat.
A campaign to renew driver's licenses has begun in Kyrgyzstan. From January 15 to February 15, 2026, citizens can exchange their old indefinite documents for new ones free of charge. The procedure has become simpler, as the mandatory medical certificate of form 083 has been canceled — it is enough to present a valid ID.
Those who do not manage to take advantage of the free exchange within this month will have the opportunity to renew their licenses throughout 2026, but on a paid basis. The cost of the service will be 779 soms, and a medical examination may be required, for which a separate payment (724 soms) will have to be made. Deadlines for mandatory transition to new licenses have not yet been established.
Other interesting and important events were covered by journalists of 24.kg — in the review "Week-24".
Bishkek's General Plan until 2050: Whose homes and lands may be at risk of changes
The Bishkek City Hall has prepared responses to questions and proposals from citizens that were voiced during public hearings on the draft general plan for the capital's development until 2050, held on December 24-25, 2025. The discussion showed that residents were interested not in abstract schemes, but in specific clarifications regarding their homes and plots. However, in many cases, the answers boiled down to the fact that details would be determined later, at the detailed planning stage.
Kyrgyzstanis' wallets in 2026: Who will see an increase in income and expenses
In 2026, the financial situation of citizens of Kyrgyzstan will change: for some categories, incomes will increase, while for others, mandatory expenses will rise. 24.kg has gathered the main decisions and changes that will affect the family budget.
The new Osh market and Western bus station are being prepared for launch before the SCO summit
High-ranking officials have familiarized themselves with the construction progress of key infrastructure facilities on the approach to Manas Airport. The Western bus station and the new Osh market, located near the village of Prigorodnoye, are expected to open in May this year, ahead of the SCO summit, which will take place in Bishkek in August 2026.
From a colony to a residential complex: the second phase of "Muras" has been completed in Bishkek
A new residential complex has emerged on the site of the former colony No. 47 in Bishkek. The area, which was previously associated with a correctional facility, has now become a modern urban space with new buildings and infrastructure.
Voting — a right or an obligation? A controversial bill from a deputy
Deputy Marlen Mamataliyev has proposed to make it mandatory for citizens of Kyrgyzstan to participate in elections and referendums. His amendments to the constitutional laws "On the Elections of the President and Deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh," "On the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums," and "On Referendums" have been put up for public discussion.
Escalation or threat? How Central Asian countries reacted to Solovyov's words
In one of his broadcasts, propagandist Vladimir Solovyov suggested "starting a special military operation" in Central Asian countries and Armenia, stating that Russia should "ignore international law" and consider the possibility of military intervention in the internal affairs of these countries. How did Central Asian states respond to this? We have gathered the main responses in the material from 24.kg.
Victory over oneself: how sports change the lives of people with disabilities
To date, there are more than 218,000 people with disabilities in Kyrgyzstan, but only a few of them find themselves in sports. The country's Paralympians overcome difficulties and stereotypes every day, demonstrating that disability is not an obstacle to achieving global success. The president of the public association "Kyrgyz National Paralympic Committee," a master of sports of the Kyrgyz Republic in powerlifting and arm wrestling, Toktorbek Aydyraiev, told a 24.kg journalist how young people with disabilities become outstanding athletes, while coaches literally have to push them out of their homes to get them to start playing sports.
How to survive on a mountain slope: tips for beginner skiers
With the start of the new ski season in Kyrgyzstan, bases have opened, and outdoor enthusiasts are eager to visit them. If you are going skiing for the first time, carefully review our recommendations. Experienced skiers and instructors shared with 24.kg the rules to follow to fall in love with this sport.
Lake Sary-Chelek and autumn Erkindik. Photos from 24.kg readers
We are creating a section "Moments of Life" with the help of our readers from 24.kg, who love to travel around Kyrgyzstan and share their photos and videos. Today we will return to autumn Bishkek, then visit the waterfall in Barskoon Gorge, head to Lake Kel-Suu, and finish the trip at the picturesque Lake Sary-Chelek.
The main series of the next week: from Major Grom to a thriller with Sophie Turner
In the upcoming week (January 19-25), many interesting premieres are expected for movie fans: the legendary St. Petersburg policeman returns in the action film "Major Grom: Playing by the Rules." Thriller lovers will be intrigued by Sophie Turner in the crime film "The Heist," while Patrick Dempsey will play an assassin who has lost his memory. The fantastic drama "Beauty" will prompt reflection on the price of perfection, while the continuations of successful projects "Drops of God" and "Sex. Before and After" will open new aspects of human relationships.
