The State Committee for National Security detained the owner of a pawnshop chain and displayed the collateral of clients.

The detained suspect. Photo by the State National Security Committee.
In the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, a businessman managing a chain of pawnshops was arrested on suspicion of illegal activities. This was reported by the press service of the State National Security Committee (GKNB).
According to the agency, the detained individual, known as S. M. A., was engaged in "illegal pawnshop and usury activities," profiting from citizens who found themselves in difficult financial situations.
"Money was provided under conditions that placed clients in a dependent position, with inflated interest rates, making it difficult for them to meet their obligations," the statement noted.
The investigation also suggests that, using the accrued debts, S. M. A. organized the seizure of movable and immovable property from his clients, including residential and commercial properties, formalizing transactions with the help of fake documents and "controlled notaries."

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.
During the investigation, numerous real estate properties registered in the name of S. M. A.'s trusted persons were identified.

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.

Collateral property of clients of the pawnshop chain. Photo by the State National Security Committee.
The GKNB reported that the investigation has established the existence of an organized group engaged in illegal activities using intimidation and pressure on victims, as well as utilizing connections within law enforcement agencies to prevent victims from seeking protection for their rights.

Photo by the State National Security Committee.
For the detained S. M. A., a preventive measure in the form of detention in the GKNB pre-trial detention center was chosen on January 14 of this year.
The investigation is ongoing, and other participants in the case are being identified, as reported.
The State National Security Committee reminded that the activities of pawnshops and usury without the appropriate license are criminally punishable acts.