Many remember the times when KGB employees remained almost unnoticed by the general public. However, in recent years, the GKNB has faced criticism: its employees often display their credentials, which sometimes undermines the authority of the special service. How do you assess this situation?
— Yes, I am aware of these remarks. I have repeatedly told my friend: “Enhance the authority of the GKNB, as its prestige should be comparable to that of the KGB of the USSR. Otherwise, we risk losing respect.” I have raised this issue multiple times.
— Recently, we have seen the detention of GKNB employees on suspicion of illegal activities. Did this happen due to the excessive powers that were granted to them? It seems the special service is interfering in many areas, from construction standards to regulating meat prices and combating prostitution.
— On the day the video about the “fight against intimate services” was published, I urged him: “This issue belongs to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, do not lower the level of the GKNB.”
Investigations are currently underway regarding those involved in corruption. For now, we cannot disclose details.
— You recently separated the Border Service and the State Guard Service from the GKNB. What are the reform plans for this structure? Will it retain its powers to combat economic crimes and corruption, or will they be transferred to another agency?
— A large-scale reform of the security structures is planned. I intended to start it earlier, but the timelines were pushed back.
We will begin soon. The GKNB will focus on its core tasks: intelligence and counterintelligence, protecting the constitutional order, combating terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking.
It will retain investigative powers only in these areas. It will not interfere in economic matters. The work of the GKNB and its employees should remain in the shadows.
After the reform, we will have a real special service, similar to the old KGB. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will deal exclusively with its responsibilities.
Investigative rights will remain with the GKNB, but a clear list of powers will be developed and legally enshrined.
The creation of a new Investigative Committee is also planned. The main investigative functions will be transferred there, and the General and Military Prosecutor's Offices will ensure oversight of the legality of the actions of all structures.
Why are we creating the Investigative Committee? We must think about the future and long-term prospects.
What is the current situation? Both the GKNB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have operational-search activities and investigators subordinate to one minister. For example, if an operative brings a case that raises doubts – for instance, the accusation may be false – and the investigator refuses to accept it, the minister can force him to open the case.
Thus, facts of injustice do occur. The Investigative Committee will report directly to the president and will not accept “raw” or fabricated cases from operatives or ministers. Criminal cases will not be initiated without proper grounds.
Undoubtedly, those who face injustice will not be deprived of their freedom – they will be released. This will help ensure the observance of human rights at a significant level. This will ensure safety for future generations.
As for economic crimes: if you really committed an offense, you will be punished. Otherwise, if false accusations are placed upon you, you will be released. The division of powers between agencies will lead to more correct and objective decisions.
This is work for the future. We will prepare the necessary buildings and technical infrastructure. A decree will be issued, and the corresponding bills will be submitted to the Jogorku Kenesh, after which organizational work will begin.
This year, the SCO summit and the Games of Nomads will take place, so we will start implementing the reform next year.
Interviewed by the director of KNIА “Kabar” Mederbek Shermetaliev
