Kemel Kutmanov, the son of former Kyrgyz Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, Dinara Kutmanova, is wanted by authorities, AKIpress reports.
An ongoing investigation into corruption related to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Nature Development Fund in the country has led to the discovery of alleged misuse of funds. The State Committee for National Security is conducting the investigation.
The findings revealed an annual allocation of $3.7mn from the funds of the Kumtor Gold Company which were designated for nature preservation and ecological protection projects from 2021 until now. The total funding over three years amounted to over $11mn. Within this sum, over $9mn was initially purposed for 110 nature protection and conservation projects through the Nature Development Fund.
The State Committee for National Security uncovered cases of funds misuse within the activities of the fund. For instance, a direct contract worth about $387,000 for the supply of 1,000 pieces of special clothing was signed between the Nature Development Fund, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and an individual entrepreneur named "Khodjayev" without prior agreement.
It was found that the former Minister of Nature, Dinara Kutmanova, supported the illegal agreement, and "Khodjayev" is a close friend of her son. The difference in the price of overalls led to an appropriation of $261,750 by Kutmanova's family, the State Committee for National Security claims.
Further investigation revealed that Kemel Kutmanov directly interfered in the activities of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Nature Development Fund and received "payments" equivalent to 10% of the project's financing amount. He allegedly received $193,467 from five business entities and $86,036 under the "Jashil Muras" project.
Dinara Kutmanova's sister was arrested and later released to house arrest in connection with her confession and compensation for the damage caused. Additionally, others, including Kutmanova's colleagues and housekeeper, were arrested in connection with the criminal case. Authorities are continuing to identify other individuals involved in the alleged crime, and investigative activities with Dinara Kutmanova herself are planned.
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