Arrest - The Times Of Central Asia

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Administrative Detention

“I Felt Like an Uzbek in Russia”: Russian Woman Detained in Almaty After Video Sparks Backlash

A Russian citizen has been sentenced to 10 days of administrative detention in Almaty after publishing a video criticizing bureaucratic procedures in Kazakhstan and using offensive language, according to Kazakhstan’s news agency KazTAG and the Almaty police department. The woman had traveled to Almaty to obtain a bank card and later posted a video on social media describing her frustration with queues, paperwork, and banking procedures. In the recording, she said she felt “like an Uzbek in Russia,” a remark that drew criticism online, particularly among users in Kazakhstan who viewed the statement as offensive. The video quickly circulated on social media, prompting calls for authorities to investigate. Commenters argued that visitors to another country should respect local laws and social norms. Almaty police said an administrative case was opened under provisions related to minor hooliganism. During the investigation, officers concluded that the woman had used obscene language in a public place and violated public order. “Based on the inspection results, it was established that the foreign citizen used vulgar obscene language in a public place, thereby violating public order and the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” the Almaty police department said in a statement. The Specialized Interdistrict Administrative Court of Almaty later ruled that the woman should serve 10 days of administrative detention. The incident has reignited discussion in Central Asia over how foreign nationals are treated under local laws and how public comments involving ethnicity or migration can trigger strong reactions. The issue follows other recent cases involving foreign nationals and public conduct in the region. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that a court in St. Petersburg fined and ordered the deportation of a citizen of Uzbekistan after finding him guilty of illegal missionary activity for leading prayers in a public place under Russian legislation regulating religious activity.

Visa Corruption

Former Italian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Arrested in Rome Over Visa Scheme Allegations

Former Italian ambassador to Uzbekistan Piergabriele Papadia de Bottini di Sant’Agnese has been arrested in Rome on accusations of corruption and facilitating illegal migration, according to the Italian newspaper la Repubblica. Italian prosecutors allege that the former diplomat and his associate, Tatiana Tarakanova, operated a scheme involving the issuance of Schengen visas from the Italian embassy in Tashkent. Tarakanova, a 53-year-old Russian-born Italian citizen living in Bulgaria, had reportedly worked with Papadia during his earlier diplomatic service at the Italian consulate in Moscow. According to the report, Papadia assumed control of the embassy’s visa office shortly after taking charge of the Italian embassy in Uzbekistan’s capital on December 2, 2024. Investigators from Rome’s financial police unit cited testimony from a former visa office manager, identified only as Michel, who said the ambassador personally intervened in visa operations and later arranged for Tarakanova to work inside the office. Italian authorities accuse the pair of aiding illegal immigration and committing corruption linked to official duties. Rome prosecutors opened an investigation after financial police examined activities connected to visa processing at the embassy. The arrests were carried out under precautionary measures issued by Annalisa Marzano, a judge for preliminary investigations in Rome. Papadia was detained in Rome and taken to prison while the investigation continues. According to la Repubblica, he had already been removed from his diplomatic post in December 2025. The case has drawn attention because it involves alleged misconduct linked to Schengen visa procedures in Central Asia, where demand for European visas has risen steadily in recent years. Italy has expanded diplomatic and economic ties with Uzbekistan in recent years, including cooperation in trade, migration, and education. Several European countries have also increased visa and labor mobility programs for Uzbek citizens as relations with Central Asia deepen.

Power Struggle

Kyrgyzstan Faces Elite Realignment as Tashiyev Network Comes Under Pressure

In the last week, political tensions in Kyrgyzstan have risen following the arrest of Shairbek Tashiyev, the brother of Kamchybek Tashiyev, the former head of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB). Shairbek, a former member of the Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, was detained on April 1 following questioning at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The case unfolds against the backdrop of a widening rift between President Sadyr Japarov and his once long-time ally Tashiyev, who played a key role in helping Japarov consolidate power following the political upheaval of October 2020. After coming to power, President Japarov and Tashiyev built one of the most consolidated political tandems in Kyrgyzstan’s post-Soviet history, concentrating authority across the presidency, parliament, and security structures. In February, Tashiyev was removed from his position, followed by what observers described as a broader sidelining of his allies within security structures and parliament. This fueled speculation about a breakdown in the political partnership that had underpinned relative stability in recent years. Shairbek Tashiyev is now a central suspect in a corruption investigation involving the state-owned company Kyrgyzneftegaz. The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced the criminal case on March 17, following materials released by the State Tax Service alleging financial misconduct within the company. According to investigators, former executives of Kyrgyzneftegaz and affiliated private entities were detained shortly after the case was opened. A criminal case was initiated under Article 336 of the Criminal Code, alleging “Corruption.” Among those detained was former National Bank head Melis Turgunbayev, whose pretrial detention was later changed to house arrest by a court in Bishkek. It later emerged that another of those initially detained was Baigazy Matisakov, identified as a nephew of Kamchybek Tashiyev. He was subsequently released after reportedly reaching an agreement with investigators. On April 2, a court ordered Shairbek Tashiyev to remain in custody until May 16, 2026. His lawyer stated that he denies the charges and considers them unfounded. The investigation, led by the State Tax Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, covers Kyrgyzneftegaz’s operations from 2021 to 2025. Authorities allege total financial violations amounting to 4.1 billion soms (approximately $46.5 million), including lost profits and unpaid taxes. Investigators have outlined three main alleged schemes that they are continuing to investigate. The first involved intermediary companies allegedly linked to individuals close to the Tashiyev family, which resold oil to the Kyrgyz Petroleum Company refinery. The second involved the write-off of raw materials, with around 20,000 tons of oil reportedly classified as “technological losses” beyond established norms. The third concerned preferential sales, with diesel and fuel oil allegedly sold at below-market prices to favored companies. The case is being watched closely in Kyrgyzstan, where elite reshuffles have historically signaled broader political realignments rather than isolated legal actions. It remains unclear whether the investigation will expand further and implicate additional individuals connected to Tashiyev or what the potential impact could be on the broader political environment within the country.

Crime

Tajik Citizens Arrested in U.S. in Connection with ATM Cyberattack

U.S. authorities have charged two Tajik nationals and one Iranian citizen with orchestrating a cyberattack on ATMs to steal cash using a method known as "jackpotting." Two of the suspects have already been apprehended. Law enforcement in Lincoln County, North Carolina, identified the suspects as 26-year-old Nurmuhammad Rahmonzoda, 35-year-old Firdavs Rajabov, and 36-year-old Milod Avazdavani of Iran. The crimes reportedly occurred in February 2025 in the state of Maine. Investigators were able to identify the suspects using CCTV footage and license plate recognition systems. The group allegedly employed jackpotting, a cyber intrusion technique that manipulates ATMs into dispensing cash without recording a legitimate transaction. The investigation was launched after multiple banks reported technical issues with their self-service terminals. Authorities later determined the cyberattacks had been premeditated and synchronized across several ATM locations. In total, the group is accused of stealing more than $10,000. Avazdavani was arrested on March 13, 2025, in Charleston, South Carolina. Rahmonzoda was detained two weeks later in Florida and transferred to Maine. Authorities have not confirmed whether Rajabov has been taken into custody. Rahmonzoda has been formally charged with theft. A court has ordered him to pay $38,480 in restitution to the victims. If he fulfils the court’s compensation order, the felony charge may be downgraded to a misdemeanor, though full criminal liability will still apply. Further proceedings in the case are set to continue in Florida. Previously, U.S. media reported the arrests of other Tajik citizens in unrelated cases involving terrorism and immigration violations.

Justice

Turkish Police Detain Teenagers Linked to ISIS, Including Turkmen Citizen

Turkish security forces have detained two teenagers in Istanbul, one identified as a Turkmen national, on suspicion of planning terrorist attacks and communicating with members of the so‑called Islamic State (ISIS), Turkish press reported. The arrests were carried out in two Istanbul districts after police discovered evidence of contact with ISIS operatives on encrypted messaging apps. Authorities say a search of one suspect’s computer turned up files with instructions for making Molotov cocktails and explosives, materials on assembling long‑barreled weapons and shooting training, and a large volume of ISIS‑related propaganda and instructional videos. A court ordered that teenager held in custody. The same reporting says a separate case in July involved a 14‑year‑old Turkmen national, identified by initials D.R., who was detained in the Maltepe district after allegedly being radicalized online. Investigators reportedly found “training materials” on bomb‑making, assassination techniques, videos on using drones and attack vehicles, and other instructions. The court placed that teenager under house arrest. Turkish media cited broader figures showing intensified counter‑terror operations: 3,686 people suspected of links to ISIS have been detained in Turkey over the past nine months, with 784 formally arrested, the reporting states. Earlier cases involving Central Asian nationals have also drawn attention. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Turkish police had detained a Tajik man (named in reporting as Faziljon A.) and a Kyrgyz woman (named as Zulfiya S.) on suspicion of planning attacks for ISIS; authorities said they found police uniforms, emergency lights, knives and other equipment in the apartment where the suspects were hiding.

Afghanistan

Former Afghan Deputy Speaker “Abbas Dollar” Arrested in Tashkent

Abbas Ibrahimzada, a former deputy speaker of Afghanistan’s parliament, was arrested in Tashkent on September 24, according to sources cited by Amu. Despite reportedly posting bail of more than $350,000, he has remained in custody for over a week. His arrest follows multiple complaints filed by business rivals. Local sources indicate that Ibrahimzada has invested more than $50 million in Uzbekistan over the past four years, with ventures spanning commercial transport and flour production. His detention has raised concerns about potential disruptions to his extensive business interests. Ibrahimzada has not publicly commented on the case. A prominent representative from Balkh province during the 16th term of Afghanistan’s parliament, Ibrahimzada is widely known by the nickname “Abbas Dollar”, a nod to his reputation as one of Afghanistan’s wealthiest private investors. In addition to his political career, Ibrahimzada has long been active in business. According to Afghan-Bios, he heads the Ibrahimzada Group, which operates across multiple sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and education. His arrest in Uzbekistan adds a new layer of complexity to his cross-border business profile, drawing attention to the intersection of political and commercial interests in Central Asia. The case also highlights the legal uncertainties foreign investors may encounter in the region. Authorities have not released an official statement regarding the specific charges or the status of his business operations in Uzbekistan.