The State Committee for National Security (GKNB) is warning internet users against spreading provocative insinuations regarding the detention of Rayimbek Matraimov. The GKNB press center reported that within the Kyrgyzstani internet and social media sphere, there have been instances of whitewashing and justifying his criminal activities and spreading false information by destructive individuals and fake accounts.
Such actions by destructive forces pose a potential threat to the image, progressive development, and stability of Kyrgyzstan. The GKNB emphasized the criminal and other liabilities for actions that could lead to escalating the socio-political situation and harming the state's security.
On March 25, 2024, in collaboration with Azerbaijani special services in Baku, Rayimbek Matraimov, who was internationally wanted, was detained along with his brothers Tilek, Ruslan, and Islambek. The following day, Rayimbek Matraimov was extradited from Baku to Bishkek. It was revealed that he was linked to members of a transnational criminal group from Azerbaijan arrested in Kyrgyzstan, who were planning an assassination attempt on the Kyrgyz Republic's leadership.
Rayimbek Matraimov is facing criminal charges under Kyrgyz Criminal Code articles 169 (Illegal Deprivation of Liberty) and 222 (Money Laundering) in Kyrgyzstan. On March 27, the Pervomaysky District Court of Bishkek remanded him to GKNB pre-trial detention until April 26.
From 2015 to 2017, Rayimbek Matraimov held the position of Deputy Head of the State Customs Service. Following a change in power in October 2020, he was accused of corruption in customs. The total damage caused by Rayimbek Matraimov in just one criminal case amounted to 2 billion soms. He paid them off over two months, mostly in the form of property - a building and apartments. The former customs official admitted his guilt and was fined 260,000 soms by the Pervomaysky District Court of Bishkek.
On January 26, 2024, the GKNB declared Rayimbek Matraimov wanted, stating that he may have left Kyrgyzstan for Turkey in the fall and later traveled to Dubai.
