Dozens of border personnel detained in anti-corruption operation at Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan crossings

Citing its sources, 24.kg reported that the operation was carried out on July 5 at the Kadamjay-Avtoyol and Chechme-Avtoyol checkpoints in Kyrgyzstan's Batken region. Both crossings are located on the Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan border.

According to the report, officers from the Batken Regional Directorate of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB), assisted by members of the Alpha special forces unit, detained employees of the Border Service, Customs Service, and Veterinary Service on suspicion of involvement in corruption.

During the operation at the Kadamjay-Avtoyol checkpoint, an ensign stationed at the barrier reportedly fired four shots, while another serviceman discharged a warning shot into the air. The circumstances surrounding the use of firearms are under investigation.

Searches conducted during the operation reportedly led to the seizure of 38,500 Kyrgyz soms, UZS 5,484,000, and an additional UZS 200,000 found in the glove compartment of a service vehicle. According to the report, the driver claimed the money was intended to purchase seat covers for the official vehicle.

Officers also confiscated KGS 100,000 and an unspecified amount of U.S. dollars from customs personnel. The exact amount of foreign currency has not yet been determined.

At the Chechme-Avtoyol checkpoint, two employees were allegedly captured on surveillance cameras while illegally receiving money, the publication's sources said.

A total of 27 servicemen were taken to the Batken Regional Directorate of the GKNB for questioning, including 16 from the Kadamjay-Avtoyol checkpoint and 11 from Chechme-Avtoyol. Authorities also reportedly seized two AK-74 assault rifles, two magazines, and 60 rounds of ammunition from those detained.

Both border checkpoints were temporarily closed while investigative measures were underway, resulting in queues of around 3,000 people and 400 vehicles. Traffic through the Kadamjay-Avtoyol crossing was later restored.