Former Kyrgyz Central Bank chief arrested on corruption charges

Melis Turgunbaev, former head of the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan, has been detained on suspicion of corruption, according to Caliber.Az citing local media.

Turgunbaev is accused of involvement in multi-billion-som embezzlement at Kyrgyzneftegaz. He chaired the company’s board from 2020 to 2021 and served as head of the National Bank from June 26, 2024, until March 17, 2026. He has also previously held the post of Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Oversight.

The investigation is being conducted by the Main Investigative Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

On March 16, the State Tax Service released footage suggesting possible embezzlement of approximately 4.18 billion soms ($46 million) through grey intermediary schemes and questionable raw material write-offs, allegedly involving individuals connected to relatives of Kamchybek Tashiev, former Minister of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan.