Photo from the internet. Altynbek Abduvayev and his deputy Islambek Kydyrgichov
Altynbek Abduvayev, the former head of the Tax Service, and his deputy Islambek Kydyrgichov received a guilty verdict and were found guilty of abuse of office. As a result, they were fined 400,000 and 300,000 soms, which will go to the state budget. Additionally, they are deprived of the right to hold certain positions and special titles.
It is noteworthy that on December 5, 2024, at a parliamentary meeting, the head of the State National Security Committee (GKNB) Kamchybek Tashiev reported the discovery of a corruption scheme among tax officials related to electronic goods transport invoices, which caused damage to the budget amounting to 3.2 billion soms.
After the verdict was announced, the GKNB was compelled to issue an official statement indicating that all participants in the case admitted their guilt and compensated the state for a total of 4 billion 307 million soms. "The crimes were committed before the amendments that tightened penalties for corrupt acts came into effect, so the court applied the norms of the old version of the Criminal Code, allowing for a fine upon admission of guilt," the state committee stated.
In Bishkek, more than 20 people suffered from food poisoning at the fast food restaurant "Daamduu." According to official information, 18 people were hospitalized, including 4 children. Thirteen patients are receiving inpatient treatment, while the others are getting help on an outpatient basis. Symptoms of poisoning appeared in the victims on January 15 after consuming shawarma.
It is worth noting that in the summer of 2025, a similar mass poisoning occurred at the same fast food restaurant "Daamduu" at the intersection of Baytik Baatyr and Suerkulov streets, resulting in more than 20 people being affected, caused by meat mince.
Photo from the internet. The replacement of driver's licenses will be free only for one month
A campaign to renew driver's licenses has begun in Kyrgyzstan. From January 15 to February 15, 2026, citizens can exchange their old indefinite licenses for new ones free of charge. The procedure has been simplified: the mandatory medical certificate form 083 for this category of citizens has been canceled — it is enough to provide a valid license.
Those who do not manage to take advantage of the free exchange within the specified month will have the option to exchange for a fee throughout 2026, with a cost of 779 soms. A medical commission may be required, which is paid separately (724 soms). Currently, there are no strict deadlines for mandatory transition to new licenses.
What else interesting and important was discussed by journalists 24.kg — in the review "Week-24".
The General Plan for Bishkek until 2050: which houses and lands may be at risk of changes
The responses of the Bishkek city administration to questions and suggestions raised by residents during public hearings on the general development plan for the capital until 2050 have been published. Discussions held on December 24-25, 2025, showed that residents were expecting specific clarifications regarding their homes, streets, and land plots. However, many responses boiled down to the fact that details would be determined later, at the detailed planning project stage.
The financial situation of Kyrgyz citizens in 2026: who will see income increases and which expenses will rise
In 2026, the financial situation in the country will change: for some citizens, incomes will increase, while for others, mandatory expenses will rise. 24.kg has gathered key decisions and changes that will directly affect family budgets.
The launch of the new Osh market and Western bus station before the SCO summit
High-ranking officials familiarized themselves with the construction progress of key infrastructure projects near Manas Airport. The Western bus station and the new Osh market, being built near the village of Prigorodnoye, are planned to be opened in May this year, ahead of the SCO summit scheduled for August 2026 in Bishkek.
Transformation of the former colony into a residential complex: the second phase of "Muras" completed in Bishkek
A modern residential complex has been built on the site of the former colony No. 47 in Bishkek. This area, which was previously associated with a correctional facility, has now become a new urban space with modern houses and infrastructure.
The obligation to vote: a new bill from a deputy
Deputy Marlen Mamataliyev proposes to obligate Kyrgyz citizens to participate in elections and referendums. His amendments to the constitutional laws "On the Elections of the President and Deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh," "On the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums," and "On Referendums" have been put up for public discussion.
Reactions of Central Asian countries to Solovyov's statements
Propagandist Vladimir Solovyov expressed the idea of a "beginning of a special military operation" in Central Asia and Armenia during one of his broadcasts. He suggested that Russia should ignore international law and consider the use of force in the internal affairs of Armenia and the Central Asian republics to prevent them from exiting the Russian sphere of influence. How did Central Asian countries react to these ambiguous statements? We have gathered the main responses in the material from 24.kg.
Sports as a way to change the destinies of people with disabilities
In Kyrgyzstan, there are over 218,000 people with disabilities, but only a few find their calling in sports. The country's Paralympians overcome challenges and stereotypes to prove that disability is not an obstacle to success in international competitions. The President of the Kyrgyz National Paralympic Committee Toktorbek Aydyraliev shared with a journalist from 24.kg the story of how young people with disabilities become professional athletes and how coaches literally have to pull them out of their homes to start training.
Recommendations for beginner skiers: how to survive on the mountain slope
A new ski season is starting in Kyrgyzstan, and resorts are open for active leisure enthusiasts. If you are just beginning your skiing journey, carefully read our material. Instructors and experienced skiers shared with 24.kg tips on what rules to follow to fall in love with this sport.
Reader photos: Lake Sary-Chelek and autumn Erkindik
The "Moments of Life" section is created together with our readers who love to travel and photograph in Kyrgyzstan. This time we will return to autumn Bishkek, visit the waterfall in Barskoon Gorge, make a stop at Lake Kel-Suu, and finish our journey at the picturesque Lake Sary-Chelek.
New series next week: from Major Grom to a thriller with Sophie Turner
The upcoming week (January 19-25) will be interesting for movie lovers: several diverse projects will hit the screens. Viewers will see the return of the famous St. Petersburg police officer in the action movie "Major Grom: Playing by the Rules." In the crime thriller "Robbery," viewers will meet Sophie Turner, while Patrick Dempsey will play a hitman with memory loss. The sci-fi drama "Beauty" will make one think about the price of perfection, while the continuations of popular series "Drops of God" and "Sex. Before and After" will reveal new aspects of human relationships.
