The State Committee for National Security (GKNB) reported on the arrest of former deputy chairman of the Customs Service Raiymbek Matraimov. According to the agency, the GKNB managed to locate and detain the former customs officer with the assistance of Azerbaijani special services. Raiymbek Matraimov's brothers Tilek, Ruslan, and Islambek have also been brought to Kyrgyzstan.
"Raiymbek Matraimov had a close connection with the deceased crime boss Kamchybek Asanbek (Kamchi Kolbaev) and formed a criminal group consisting of Customs Service employees and government officials," the statement said. Matraimov is facing criminal charges under articles 169 (unlawful deprivation of liberty) and 222 (money laundering). Investigative and operational measures are ongoing as part of the case materials.
On March 26, Raiymbek Matraimov was extradited to Bishkek from Baku. It was revealed that he was linked to members of a transnational criminal group from Azerbaijan who were preparing an assassination attempt on the leadership of the Kyrgyz Republic, as noted by the GKNB.
Raiymbek Matraimov held the position of Deputy Head of the State Customs Service from 2015 to 2017. Following a change in power in October 2020, he was accused of corruption at the customs. The total damage caused by Raiymbek Matraimov amounted to 2 billion soms in just one criminal case. He paid them off over two months, mostly in the form of property - a building and apartments. The former customs officer admitted his guilt and was fined 260,000 soms by the Pervomaysky District Court of Bishkek.
On January 26, 2024, the GKNB declared Raiymbek Matraimov wanted. It was reported that in the fall, Raiymbek Matraimov may have left Kyrgyzstan for Turkey, and then to Dubai.
