Kamchybek Tashiyev. Photo courtesy of knews.kg
The Chairman of Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (SCNS), Kamchybek Tashiyev, revealed that parts of the country were previously under the control of Uzbek businessman Salim Abduvaliev, whom Tashiyev described as a criminal kingpin. The SCNS chief shared these details during a meeting with higher education officials on January 16, according to Kloop.
Tashiyev claimed that Abduvaliev, also known as «Salim Boyvachcha,» had complete influence over southern Kyrgyzstan.
«All leaders of organized crime groups (OCGs), major entrepreneurs, even political figures and members of parliament, would go to him and follow his instructions,» Tashiyev said.
However, the general used past tense when referring to Abduvaliev's influence, emphasizing that such control has ended and that Kyrgyzstan is now charting its own course of development.
The Elimination of Kyrgyz Crime Boss Kamchybek Kolbayev
Tashiyev also discussed the takedown of local crime leader Kamchybek Kolbayev. He admitted that he had ordered Kolbayev's elimination, arguing that organized crime had seized control of the nation, creating a parallel system of governance.
“They had a ‘president’—a thief-in-law—and supervisors for regions, districts, and cities. They extorted money from businesses. I had to make the decision to eliminate [Kolbayev] for the sake of the state. We neutralized him and later dismantled his network and other OCG members,” Tashiyev stated.
The SCNS head proudly declared that Kyrgyzstan is now the only country in Central Asia and the post-Soviet space without organized criminal groups. Tashiyev also claimed that billions of dollars were seized from criminal entities.
According to Tashiyev, Kyrgyz entrepreneurs no longer pay tribute to crime bosses. He shared that after the authorities crushed the OCGs, some business owners were initially confused and even sought guidance from security agencies about whom to pay.
Background on Kamchybek Kolbayev
Kamchybek Kolbayev, nicknamed «Kolya the Kyrgyz,» was one of the most notorious thieves-in-law. U.S. intelligence had identified him as one of the world's top drug barons and a leading crime figure from the former USSR.
Kolbayev was killed on October 4, 2023, during a special forces operation. Days later, the SCNS disclosed that Kolbayev’s illicit assets, valued at around $1 billion and registered under relatives and associates, were confiscated.
The state has since reclaimed 720 apartments linked to Kolbayev and his family. Some of these properties have been auctioned off.
The Legacy of Salim Abduvaliev
Salim Abduvaliev is one of the most prominent philanthropists in the post-Soviet space. However, he is also widely regarded as a figure in the criminal underworld. For instance, a former U.S. ambassador to Uzbekistan described him as the “boss of the Uzbek mafia” in diplomatic communications.
In March 2024, Abduvaliev was sentenced in Uzbekistan to six years in prison for illegal possession of firearms.
According to Uzbek media, the 73-year-old was released on January 12, 2025, due to health concerns.
