Kamchy Asanbekovich Kolbayev (Russian: Камчибек Асанбекович Кольбаев; Kyrgyz: Камчыбек Асанбек уулу Көлбаев; 3 August 1974 – 4 October 2023) was an alleged crime boss in Kyrgyzstan. Crimes he was linked to include heroin trafficking .[2] The US State Department in 2007 said he was "considered to be the leader of the most influential criminal heroin group in the country",[3] and in 2012 US President Obama named Kolbayev "a significant foreign narcotics trafficker", operating as part of the so-called Brothers' Circle criminal society.[4] He was subsequently added to the US Treasury's list of Specially Designated Nationals, preventing him from doing business in the US.[1] The United States sought to dismantle ties to banking and finance that Kolbayev or his associates have constructed.[5]
The new government, more hostile to organized crime, detained Kolbayev for a short period of time later releasing him without charge.[2] This was not the first time Kyrgyz authorities have decided against branding Kolbayev a criminal; in 2007 a police investigation of his activities was ordered to cease by the then Minister of the Interior.[3] Kolbayev may have spent time in a Kyrgyz prison earlier in his life, however.[6]
After the death of Rysbek Akmatbayev in 2006, Kamchy was allegedly crowned a thief in law in a ceremony attended by Vyacheslav Ivankov.[7]
In 2011, Kolbayev was detained in Abu Dhabi.[6] Kyrgyzstan requested his extradition, but this was not granted; he was released in September 2011.[8]
Kolbayev was mentioned in the batch of US leaked diplomatic cables in 2010.[9]
Kolbayev was killed in Bishkek by Kyrgyz officers in a security operation on 4 October 2023. He was 49.[10]
References
- ^ a b c "Resource Center: Anti-Terrorism Designations; Transnational Criminal Organizations: Specially Designated Nationals List Update". US Department of the Treasury. 23 February 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
- ^ a b Marat, Erica (28 February 2011). "Kyrgyz Government Attempts to Crack Down on Organized Crime". Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 8 Issue: 40. The Jamestown Foundation. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
- ^ a b US Department of State (2008). Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2007. Government Printing Office. p. 2248. ISBN 9780160813993.
- ^ "Treasury Imposes Sanctions On Key Members Of The Yakuza And Brothers' Circle Criminal Organizations". US Department of the Treasury. 23 February 2012. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ "Reward for Information on Kamchybek Kolbayev's Criminal Network". Office of the Spokesman. US State Department. 29 May 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
- ^ a b "Kyrgyz mafia boss detained in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates". 24 Press Club. 24.kg. 21 July 2011. Archived from the original on 10 September 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
- ^ Marat, Eric (May 2008). "POLICE FACED WITH NEW KYRGYZ "THIEF IN LAW" AFTER A TWO-YEAR BREAK". Eurasia Daily Monitor. 5 (98). The Jamestown Foundation.
- ^ "Director's Weekly Brief, 17 October 2011". The University of Mississippi, Center for Intelligence and Security Studies. 17 October 2011. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ "KYRGYZ INTERIOR MINISTER APPOINTED SNB CHAIRMAN, COMMENTS ON CURRENT CRIME SITUATION". GUARDIANGATE. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Torogeldi-uulu, Bakyt (4 October 2023). "Notorious Criminal Kingpin Killed In Special Operation In Bishkek". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty.
External links
This page was last edited on 10 November 2023, at 00:11