Former Kyrgyz Emergency Minister Boobek Azhikeev detained over illegal construction near Ala-Archa River

September 18, 2026 at 06:14 PM2 min

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Former Kyrgyz Emergency Situations Minister Boobek Azhikeev was detained on suspicion of abuse of office over construction of a service building at the Baitik weather station. The building was erected without design or permit documentation within five meters of the Ala-Archa River, in a protected water zone where construction is prohibited. The state suffered damage on an especially large scale, though the exact amount was not disclosed.

Key Facts

Former Emergency Situations Minister Boobek Azhikeev was detained on suspicion of abuse of office under Part 4 of Article 337 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The service building at the Baitik weather station was constructed without design and permit documentation, approximately five meters from the Ala-Archa River in a protected water zone.
The state suffered damage on an especially large scale, but the exact amount was not disclosed by the authorities.
Azhikeev headed the Ministry of Emergency Situations from 2020 until President Sadyr Japarov dismissed him on February 16, 2026.
The Military Prosecutor's Office previously inspected Ministry of Emergency Situations construction projects, including dam projects worth over 1 billion soms in December 2024.

Detention and Charges

Former Emergency Situations Minister Boobek Azhikeev was detained on suspicion of abuse of office under Part 4 of Article 337 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic. He was placed in the temporary detention facility of the Bishkek City Internal Affairs Directorate. The Military Prosecutor's Office identified violations during the construction of a service building on the territory of the Baitik weather station. The investigation is ongoing.

Construction Violations

The building was erected without design and permit documentation, approximately five meters from the Ala-Archa River. The construction site lies within the water protection zone of the Ala-Archa River, where construction is strictly prohibited. The Ministry of Emergency Situations was the entity responsible for the construction project. As a result of the unlawful actions of responsible officials, the state suffered damage on an especially large scale.

Background and Prior Scrutiny

Boobek Azhikeev headed the Ministry of Emergency Situations from 2020 until February 16, 2026, when President Sadyr Japarov dismissed him. In December 2024, the Military Prosecutor's Office inspected Ministry of Emergency Situations projects for dam construction and reinforcement worth over 1 billion soms and identified violations. At that time, Azhikeev stated that the Ministry was cooperating with the Military Prosecutor's Office in inspections of construction projects.