Kamchy Kolbayev
| Kamchy Asanbekovich Kolbayev | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 3, 1974[1] |
| Other names | Kamchibek Kolbaev, Kamchi Kolbayev, Kamchibek Kolbayev, Kamchi Bishkekskiy, Kolya Bishkekskiy, Kolya-Kyrgz[1] |
| Known for | Organized crime |
Kamchy Asanbekovich Kolbayev is an alleged crime boss in Kyrgyzstan. Crimes he has been linked to include murder, drug trafficking, and extortion.[2] The US State Department in 2007 said he was "considered to be the leader of the most influential criminal 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 is seeking to dismantle ties to banking and finance that Kolbayev or his associates have constructed.[5]
Living in Dubai and Moscow as of 2012,[1] he may have fled Kyrgyzstan after the 2010 revolution. 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 diplomatic cables leaked by Wikileaks in 2010.[9]
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Resource Center: Anti-Terrorism Designations; Transnational Criminal Organizations: Specially Designated Nationals List Update". US Department of the Treasury. 2012-02-23. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
- 1 2 Marat, Erica (February 28, 2011). "Kyrgyz Government Attempts to Crack Down on Organized Crime". Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 8 Issue: 40. The Jamestown Foundation. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
- 1 2 US Department of State (2008). Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2007. Government Printing Office. p. 2248.
- ↑ "Treasury Imposes Sanctions On Key Members Of The Yakuza And Brothers' Circle Criminal Organizations". US Department of the Treasury. 2012-02-23. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
- ↑ "Reward for Information on Kamchybek Kolbayev's Criminal Network". Office of the Spokesman. US State Department. May 29, 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
- 1 2 "Kyrgyz mafia boss detained in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates". 24 Press Club. 24.kg. 2011-07-21. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
- ↑ Marat, Eric (May 2008). "POLICE FACED WITH NEW KYRGYZ "THIEF IN LAW" AFTER A TWO-YEAR BREAK". Eurasia Daily Monitor. The Jamestown Foundation. 5 (98).
- ↑ "Director's Weekly Brief, 17 October 2011". Center for Intelligence and Security Studies. The University of Mississippi. October 17, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
- ↑ "KYRGYZ INTERIOR MINISTER APPOINTED SNB CHAIRMAN, COMMENTS ON CURRENT CRIME SITUATION". GUARDIANGATE. Retrieved June 27, 2012.