Spies, Bathhouse Raids, and a Drunken Minister: The Most Notorious Scandals of 2025

Виктор Сизов Society
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In Kyrgyzstan, the outgoing year 2025 was marked by a series of high-profile scandals involving both high-ranking officials and well-known cultural figures. Among the discussed events were the arrest of employees of the Russian House on suspicion of recruitment, the torture of migrants in Moscow, the detention of the mayor of Tokmok, and the dismissal of a minister for driving under the influence.

24.kg compiled a list of the most resonant incidents that occurred over the past year.
1

Scandal at the Circus


The year began with a conflict at the Abubakir Izibayev Kyrgyz State Circus. Director Svetlana Ashirova faced complaints from artists who accused her of incompetence and intrigue.

Svetlana Ashirova, disagreeing with the criticism, threatened to sue the dissatisfied, but was soon dismissed. She held her position for only three months but was later reinstated. As a result, the circus was transferred to a self-financing model, and the dissatisfied appealed to the president.
2

Fraud with MCN Coin: $2.5 Million Stolen


In February, the State National Security Committee detained Isradin Subanbekov, one of the founders of the cryptocurrency MCN Coin. In a published video, he confessed to fraud, stating that over 18 months the company had raised $2.5 million from citizens.

The Financial Market Regulation Service repeatedly warned investors against investing in MCN Coin, which had not undergone state registration.
3

New Land Code: Protests from Citizens


Residents of Bishkek were dissatisfied with the new Land Code. A group of 60 people appealed to the president asking him not to sign it.

The new edition provided for the possibility of returning private property to the state under various circumstances. Property owners feared that the seizure of their plots would occur at the discretion of officials without appropriate compensation. The president did not sign the draft.
4

Disputes over the YAKA Brand


Russian entrepreneur Anna Obidenova launched the clothing brand YAKA, which actively uses elements of Kyrgyz culture. This caused a stir on social media.

The conflict began with a post by Uulzhan Bekturova on Instagram, where she accused Obidenova of appropriating cultural elements. In response to the criticism, the entrepreneur restricted access to her page, which only exacerbated the situation.
5

Scandal with the Russian House


In April, a spy scandal occurred in Kyrgyzstan, which ultimately had no consequences.

Employee of the Russian House in Osh, Natalia Sekeryna, was detained on suspicion of recruiting mercenaries to participate in conflicts abroad. A court in Bishkek initially placed her in custody, but soon, after a meeting between the head of the State National Security Committee and the Russian ambassador, changed the measure to house arrest, and then the case was closed.
6

Bathhouse Scandal in Moscow


In the spring, an operation took place in Moscow, during which security forces detained Kyrgyz migrants at the bath complex "Bodrost," owned by a native of Kyrgyzstan. The number of detainees ranged from 25 to 59 people.
Shocking footage of the detentions quickly spread across the internet, causing a wide public outcry.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan summoned the Russian ambassador to deliver an official note, while the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia assured that the actions of the security forces were legal. Deputy Janar Akayev expressed dissatisfaction and called for the protection of migrants' rights.
7

Fight at the Sheraton Hotel


Dancer Jan Voinov, his wife, and blogger Zarina caused a conflict at the Sheraton hotel pool. Blogger Alina Zhakypova reported that the security guards just watched as they were beaten.
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The court found Zarina and her brother guilty, imposing a fine and a suspended sentence. Jan Voinov was arrested, but the case was later dropped at the request of the victims.
8

Arrest of the Mayor of Tokmok


In June, a high-profile incident occurred in Tokmok: Mayor Maxat Nusuvaliyev was detained during a meeting on the orders of the head of the State National Security Committee Kamchybek Tashiev. The video of the detention quickly went viral.

Nusuvaliyev was sentenced to 13 years on corruption charges.
9

Assault on Doctors in the Hospital


In the summer, cases of assault on doctors were recorded at the National Hospital. As a result, one of the interns ended up in the hospital, while the participants in the conflict refused to press charges.

Nevertheless, the court imposed penalties on the participants in the conflict, one of whom was arrested for three days.
10

Conflict Between Deputies


Deputy Mederbek Aliyev published an article comparing Akylbek Japarov to a loner absent from important events. This provoked a response from Japarov.
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This initiated an exchange of accusations between the deputies discussing the "nature of power" and its temporary nature.
11

Construction of Old Bishkek: Problems and Dissatisfaction


A large-scale construction of the Old Bishkek shopping and entertainment complex began in Bishkek, owned by former mayor Nariman Tuleev.

Promises to complete the first phase by December 1 were not fulfilled, and residents expressed dissatisfaction with the appearance of the building, which they believed negatively affected Chuy Avenue.
Chairman of the State National Security Committee Kamchybek Tashiev also intervened in the situation, urging builders to correct the shortcomings.
As a result, traffic on the central avenue was finally opened after the issues were resolved.
12

Election Scandal in District No. 13


The parliamentary elections were not without incidents: the Central Election Commission annulled the results of the elections in District No. 13 due to violations of the secrecy of voting. Observers set up cameras recording how voters cast their ballots.

As a result, three deputies were not elected, and elections in this district will be repeated.
13

Legal Proceedings After the Elections


Jyldyzkan Joldoshova, a candidate for deputy who won the elections under the women's quota, was unable to take her seat in the Jogorku Kenesh. The results of voting at several polling stations were annulled, and the victory was awarded to Nurjamal Torobekova.

All of Joldoshova's lawsuits were unsuccessful.
14

Dismissal of Minister for Drunk Driving


At the end of the year, the post of Minister of Science and Education was vacated. Baktyar Orozov was dismissed for "violating the ethics of a civil servant," which was related to his driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

The former minister admitted that he had drunk two mugs of beer before getting behind the wheel.
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