Kyrgyzstan’s Infamous Ex-Deputy Customs Head Walks Free Amidst Money Laundering Allegations

In a surprising turn of events, Raimbek Matraimov, the former deputy customs head of Kyrgyzstan, has been released from custody despite ongoing money laundering allegations against him. According to authorities in Bishkek, they could not find sufficient evidence to keep him detained.

Matraimov’s Corruption Charges and Sanctions

Matraimov, known for his corruption-tainted tenure in Kyrgyzstan’s Customs Service, had been held in custody since October 2020, facing charges of corruption and smuggling. The United States imposed sanctions on him in December 2020 under the Global Magnitsky Act.

Plea Deal and Criticism

His trial in February ended in a plea deal in which Matraimov admitted guilt to corruption charges and paid a small fine. However, critics were quick to question the leniency of the sentence for a man believed to have headed a smuggling empire worth $700 million.

Controversial Fine and Political Motivations

Despite the hefty plea and the fine, the sentiment toward Matraimov’s release was largely negative. Some viewed the plea bargain as a way for Matraimov to avoid harsher penalties, while others raised concerns that the outcome might have been influenced by political considerations.

Just days before Matraimov’s release, the Kyrgyz electorate was preparing for a crucial referendum on President Sadyr Japarov’s proposed super-presidential constitution. The timing of the dismissal of money laundering charges against Matraimov raised eyebrows.

Money Laundering Allegations

The money laundering allegations against Matraimov gained traction following investigative reports by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and Kloop in November 2019. Aierken Saimaiti, the primary source for these reports, claimed he had helped Matraimov launder millions out of Kyrgyzstan.

Lack of Evidence and Halting the Investigation

Bishkek authorities refused to detain Matraimov on money laundering charges, citing a lack of evidence. The Kyrgyz State Committee for National Security (SCNS) reportedly reached out to Dubai, where Matraimov is allegedly known to own a luxurious apartment but found no leases with his name. With no further evidence, the investigation was reportedly halted.

Concerns Over Combating Corruption

The dismissal of money laundering charges against Matraimov has raised concerns over the commitment of the Kyrgyz authorities to combat corruption, a challenge long-standing for the country’s democratic development and citizens’ trust in the government. Japarov, like his predecessors, has pledged to fight corruption, but the latest turn of events adds to the doubts about his ability to make a significant impact.