BISHKEK—Approximately 70% of all criminal cases in Kyrgyzstan are related to theft and fraud. This was reported by representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at a presentation at the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan, Economist.kg reports.
According to the ministry, of a total of over 33,000 cases, fraud accounts for 31.7%, while theft accounts for 39%. Thus, the overwhelming majority of crimes involve the illegal seizure of funds from citizens.
At the same time, the share of violent and serious crimes does not exceed 30%. The Ministry of Internal Affairs notes that this indicates a transformation in the crime structure: the main risks for the population are shifting from the physical sphere to financial transactions and digital communications.
The rise in cybercrime is particularly concerning. In 2025, 1,547 cases of cyberfraud were registered, while in the first three months of 2026 alone, this number has already reached 1,140. Experts predict a further significant increase by the end of the year.
In response to new challenges, a specialized 6th Department for Combating Cybercrime was created within the Main Directorate of Criminal Investigation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Despite its relatively recent formation, the unit is already operating under heavy workload. The creation of an additional investigative unit in Bishkek is currently under consideration.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs also emphasized that the spread of fraud has a negative impact not only on citizens but also on the country's financial system as a whole. Trust in banking services, cashless payments, and investment instruments is being undermined.
According to the ministry, the current situation points to systemic changes: crime in Kyrgyzstan is increasingly becoming economic in nature, targeting the population for quick access to financial resources.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
April 13, 2026