Published
01/16/2026, 10:37The State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan has stopped the illegal activities of the owner of a pawnshop chain and major loan shark, identified by the initials ‘S.M.A.’.
According to the special services, the suspect provided citizens in Bishkek with cash loans under deliberately exploitative conditions with excessively high interest rates. As a result, people who found themselves in difficult financial situations were effectively unable to repay their debts and became dependent.
The investigation established that, against the backdrop of accumulated debt, ‘S.M.A.’ organised schemes for the illegal seizure of clients' movable and immovable property, including housing, land plots and commercial facilities. The transfer of ownership was formalised through fictitious or fictitious transactions involving affiliated persons and controlled notaries.
As part of the criminal case, a circle of trusted persons was identified who registered property allegedly acquired by criminal means. Information was also obtained about the organised nature of the activities, which involved pressure, intimidation and psychological influence on the victims. According to the investigation, connections in state and law enforcement agencies may have been used to obstruct citizens' appeals.
On 14 January 2026, by a decision of the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek, the suspect was taken into custody and placed in the SIZO GKNB KR.
The investigation is ongoing, and other persons involved are being identified.
The GKNB reminds that illegal pawnbroking and usury are criminal offences.
