The incident occurred on March 6 at around 12:20 PM, when Azhiev was detained on the bypass road near the city of Tokmok. He is suspected of violating Article 283 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, concerning "the illegal manufacture of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their analogs without the intent to sell."
Daniil has been placed in a temporary detention facility, and the investigation is currently ongoing.
Earlier, in 2024, Azhiev was sentenced to 9 years in prison with confiscation of property. The Pervomaisky District Court found him guilty on several charges, including Article 160 Part 1 (organizing brothels for prostitution), Article 161 (distribution of pornographic materials), Article 261 Part 1 (creating or participating in an organized group), and Article 215 Part 3 (causing property damage through deception).
The court also deprived him of the right to engage in entrepreneurial activities for a period of 2 years, imposing a sentence in a general regime correctional colony and a fine of 220,000 soms.
In 2026, President Sadyr Japarov pardoned Azhiev, and he was released on February 17.
The president also commented on Azhiev's release, noting that he flew out of prison by helicopter, but 15 minutes later the helicopter was turned around and landed at the starting point. After that, Azhiev continued his journey by car.
