Photo from personal archive. Melis Turgunbaev
The expert added that during investigations of major embezzlements, law enforcement agencies usually interrogate everyone who had any connection to the subject of the investigation. Given Turgunbaev's extensive experience in leadership positions at "Kyrgyzneftegaz," his summons to the investigator is almost inevitable.
“The resignation of the head of the National Bank, even if it occurred as a preventive measure, is undesirable for the reputation of the financial regulator. It is likely that he was relieved of his duties in advance to avoid negative consequences for the National Bank in case of his interrogation,” Kabyilbekov noted.
Melis Turgunbaev resigned after more than a year in office as the head of the NB KR, having been appointed on June 26, 2024. His professional career has been closely linked to the oil industry: from 2013 to 2020, he held positions on the Board of Directors of OJSC "Kyrgyzneftegaz," including the position of chairman. In 2020-2021, he also served as the chairman of the management board of this enterprise. Earlier, several media outlets reported on his closeness to former head of the GKNB Kamchybek Tashiev.
It should be noted that the State Tax Service uncovered a corruption scheme in "Kyrgyzneftegaz" with damage exceeding 4 billion soms. As part of this case, former top managers of the company and private entities associated with it were detained.
