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Uzbek Businessman Salim Abduvaliyev Released from Prison Due to Illness

Salim Abduvaliyev, a well-known Uzbek businessman commonly referred to as “Salimboy,” was released from prison on January 12 due to health complications. According to Kun.uz, Abduvaliyev has been battling a serious illness for an extended period. Born in Tashkent in 1950, Abduvaliyev was previously active in Uzbekistan’s sports administration, serving as deputy chairman of the National Olympic Committee and chairman of the Uzbekistan Sports Wrestling Association. Abduvaliyev was detained in early December 2023 on charges of illegal possession of firearms. On March 19, 2024, the Mirabad District Court of Tashkent City found him guilty under Article 248, Paragraph 2 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, which pertains to the illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. He was sentenced to six years in prison. His release this week was granted under Article 75 of the Criminal Code, which allows for the early release of prisoners suffering from severe illnesses that make it impossible for them to serve their sentences. While serving his sentence in August 2024, the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan issued an arrest warrant against Abduvaliyev. Reports alleged that he had financed an organized criminal group led by Kamchybek Kolbaev. Kolbaev, a notorious figure linked to heroin trafficking and a member of the international criminal network known as the “Brothers’ Circle” (Bratva), was a wanted individual by the U.S. Department of State. Kolbaev was killed during a security operation in Bishkek in October 2023 at the age of 49.

Legislation Corruption Justice law Criminal Executive Code Anti-Corruption

Kyrgyzstan Strengthens Fight Against Corruption

Kyrgyzstan’s president, Sadyr Japarov, has signed a new law to intensify the fight against corruption by introducing tougher penalties for offenders and eliminating opportunities for them to avoid imprisonment. Under the new legislation, individuals convicted of corruption will no longer be able to pay fines or compensate the state for damages in exchange for avoiding prison sentences. Instead, they will be required to serve a mandatory prison term - even if they confess to their crimes. The new law amends Article 79 of Kyrgyzstan’s Criminal Code by adding Part 1/1. According to this amendment: Offenders who plead guilty and fully compensate the material damage caused to the state for crimes listed under Articles 336-348 (corruption and other offenses against state and municipal interests) must receive a prison sentence. The sentence will be no less than half the minimum term prescribed under the relevant criminal article. Additionally, corrupt individuals will be permanently barred from holding state or municipal positions, regardless of whether their criminal record is later expunged. This law signals Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to eradicating corruption within state structures. Authorities believe it will create the necessary mechanisms to deter corrupt activities and hold offenders accountable. One of the country’s most high-profile corruption cases involved former customs officer and oligarch Raimbek Matraimov, nicknamed “Million.” As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Matraimov avoided imprisonment by paying over $200 million to the state, sparking public outrage over leniency in sentencing. The new law addresses such loopholes, ensuring that financial restitution alone will no longer suffice to escape imprisonment. This reform underscores Kyrgyzstan’s broader efforts to strengthen governance, restore public trust, and ensure accountability at all levels of government.

Criminal Responsibility Crime Justice Court Cases

Tajikistan Files New Charges in Konibodom ‘Night Killings’ Case

Three suspects in Tajikistan's Konibodom ‘night killings’ case now face additional charges of hooliganism and rape. Solekhdjon Khudojberdiyev, Ahadjon Tukhtaev, and Manuchehr Odilov, initially charged with murder. Authorities have offered little public information on the case. A brief statement from the Prosecutor General’s Office acknowledged the new indictments but refrained from providing further details, leaving key questions unanswered. Suspect Profiles Solekhdjon Khudojberdiyev (b. 1998): Hailing from the village of Gulbog, Khudojberdiyev had a prior conviction for rape. A sports enthusiast, he was known locally for his boxing, weightlifting, and power juggling performances. Ahadjon Tukhtaev (b. 1997): A butcher by trade from the same village as Khudojberdiyev, Tukhtaev also had a criminal record for sex crimes. Manuchehr Odilov (b. 1996): From Khamroboev Jamoat, Odilov shared a similar criminal background. Reports suggest he became acquainted with Khudojberdiyev and Tukhtaev while in prison. Bakhtiyor Ravshanov (b. 1988): A shoemaker and builder from the village of Sanjidzor, Ravshanov is Khudojberdiyev’s cousin. He faces murder charges for one of the killings in May. Case Background The Konibodom region in Sughd Oblast has endured a series of brutal killings. Between late March and May 2024, 13 individuals - ranging from children to the elderly - were murdered in their homes. The victims, ethnic Tajiks and Kyrgyz, lived near the border with Kyrgyzstan. These crimes, committed in different parts of the city, terrorized residents before the suspects were apprehended and the killings temporarily ceased. However, the violence resurfaced in December. On December 9, six people were killed, followed by four more murders on December 16. The crimes prompted swift action, and on December 22, the Prosecutor General’s Office announced the detention of four suspects. The investigation remains under the close scrutiny of Tajikistan’s top leadership. The Prosecutor General is expected to provide a comprehensive update during the final press conference, shedding light on the motives and details of these tragic events. This story ws last updated on 8 January, 2025

Turkey Terrorism Justice Crocus City Hall Terrorist Attack Court Cases

Istanbul Prosecutors Seek Lengthy Sentences for Suspects in Crocus City Attack

The Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office has demanded prison sentences ranging from 7.5 to 15 years for five Central Asians accused of involvement in last spring's terrorist attack on the Crocus City concert hall in Moscow. This information was reported by the Anadolu news agency. The detainees - identified as Hafizjon Usmanov, Muteullo Asoyev, Rahmatullo Solikov, Muhammadrahim Faizov, and Hamza Muhammed - are accused of providing instructions and logistical support to the perpetrators of the attack. They allegedly promised 800,000 rubles (approximately $7,240) and new identity documents in exchange for carrying out the attack. According to Anadolu, the suspects were in contact with Shamsiddin Fariduni and Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, who are believed to have been directly involved in the attack. One of the detainees reportedly shared an apartment in Istanbul’s Avcılar district with Fariduni. Evidence presented by prosecutors includes correspondence between one of the suspects and a perpetrator. In the messages, the suspect proposed planting a bomb at the Vegas shopping center, promising an advance payment of 100,000 rubles and an additional 700,000 rubles upon completion of the act. The terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall in March last year claimed the lives of 144 people and injured 551 others. The main suspects in the case are citizens of Tajikistan, with reports indicating that 12 individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack. The Istanbul investigation sheds further light on the broader network behind the attack, pointing to an international web of operatives and support personnel.

Legal Dispute Courts Court Cases Investments Stati Justice

Moldovan Businessmen Hail Tokayev’s Role in Resolving Stati Dispute

On December 18, the protracted legal dispute between Kazakh authorities and Moldovan businessmen Anatol and Gabriel Stati over oil and gas assets was finally resolved. Following the agreement, the Stati representatives expressed gratitude to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his leadership in reaching the settlement. The Ministry of Justice of Kazakhstan reported that the resolution concludes a legal saga that spanned 15 years and impacted Kazakhstan's reputation as an investment-friendly nation. The ministry stated that the government, the National Bank of Kazakhstan, and the Stati parties, with the support of Tristan Oil’s leading creditors, successfully finalized the settlement process. “The signed Final Settlement Agreement forms the basis for the termination of all ongoing disputes, with no possibility of reopening them in the future. The specific terms of the agreement remain confidential,” the Ministry of Justice emphasized. Daniel Chapman, CEO of Argentem Creek Partners - investment manager for funds that are creditors of Tristan Oil Limited, the Stati family’s investment vehicle - praised the resolution. “This settlement and Kazakhstan’s approach to ensuring a fair resolution underscore the country’s respect for investor rights. We thank President Tokayev for his leadership, which has positively reshaped how foreign investors view Kazakhstan. We look forward to collaborating on new projects,” Chapman said. Kazakhstan’s Minister of Justice, Azamat Yeskarayev, noted the settlement’s significance for the nation’s economic future. “The resolution of this longstanding dispute creates additional opportunities for economic growth and investment,” he said, emphasizing that no funds from the national budget were used in the settlement process. The case had involved extensive litigation across multiple jurisdictions over 15 years. While the exact legal costs incurred by Kazakhstan remain undisclosed, the settlement signals a major step forward in resolving disputes with foreign investors and rebuilding trust.

Terrorism Crime Justice Court Cases criminal

Uzbek Government Files Criminal Case Against Citizen Over Jihadi Activities in Syria

The Uzbek Ministry of Internal Affairs has instigated a criminal case against Khudoyor Nuriddinov, also known as Abu Walid, who is accused of being a member of an international terrorist organization. The announcement was made via the ministry’s press service. Born in 1994 in the Rishtan district of Ferghana, Nuriddinov faces multiple charges under Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, including: Article 155-2: Training or travel for the purpose of terrorist activities, Article 159: Undermining the constitutional order of Uzbekistan, Article 223: Illegal travel abroad or entry into Uzbekistan, Article 244-2: Creation, management, or participation in extremist, separatist, or banned organizations. According to the authorities, Nuriddinov left for Russia in 2016 as a labor migrant, where he became influenced by international terrorist ideologies. He later traveled to Idlib, Syria, where he engaged in propaganda activities. The Uzbek authorities report that his actions led to the deaths of several Uzbek citizens who were recruited and killed in fighting in Syria. Nuriddinov continues to promote jihad through social networks and YouTube, giving a religious pretext for his activities. His accounts and pages are banned in Uzbekistan, and those found storing, distributing, or transporting his content face legal action.