State Security Committee Detains Deputy Defense Minister's Son in Tobacco Smuggling Case

Employees of the State Committee for National Security have apprehended the son of Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Minister of Defense in connection with an investigation into tobacco product smuggling. The incident was disclosed by sources within law enforcement agencies to Cactus Media.

Further information can be found at the following link: https://caravan-info.kg/en/society/263334-scns-detains-son-of-deputy-defense-minister-in-case-involving-tobacco-smuggling.html

Lawyer Arrested in Kyrgyzstan for Extortion

A lawyer in Kyrgyzstan, identified as S.R.T., has been apprehended on suspicion of extortion, following a report from the State Committee for National Security on May 20.

The lawyer allegedly demanded money from a defendant, using threats and coercion to prevent legal action and withdraw previously submitted applications. The incident falls under Article 208 Part 1 of the Kyrgyz Republic's Criminal Code, categorizing it as "Extortion."

The suspect was taken into custody on May 19 in Kant and is now in pre-trial detention under the supervision of the State Committee for National Security, while an investigation into the matter is currently ongoing.

Blogger Alleges Assault at Restaurant-Bar in Osh

A blogger with the username M.A. reported being assaulted at the "Ene-Sai" restaurant-bar in Osh. The incident took place during the night of May 18-19 at around 03:00 on Gapara Aytiev Street. The blogger called out to President Sadyr Japarov, seeking attention to the incident.

The press service of the Osh Department of Internal Affairs confirmed the incident. Reports indicate that the blogger claimed to have been attacked at the establishment. The reason behind the assault was allegedly related to an unpaid bill amounting to 9 thousand som.

Increase in Road Traffic Accidents in Batken Region

In the Batken region, there have been 43 road traffic accidents recorded in the first four months of 2026, leading to the tragic loss of 11 lives. This concerning data was shared at a meeting of the road traffic safety commission in the region.

The rise in road accidents highlights a pressing issue that needs urgent attention to ensure the safety of all road users. Authorities are likely to intensify efforts to implement measures aimed at reducing accidents and preventing further loss of lives on the roads.

Illegal Construction Discovered in Talas

The Talas Regional Office of the State Architectural and Construction Control Department identified unauthorized construction activities at the guest house "Elim" and the store "Mayram Apa" in Talas. These buildings, situated at 212 Chingiz Aitmatov Street and 127 Manas Street, were found to lack the required permits for construction and operation.

Further information on this discovery can be accessed through the following link: https://caravan-info.kg/en/society/345907-illegal-construction-of-a-guest-house-and-store-discovered-in-talas

Fir Trees Cut Down Near Gagarin Monument in Barskoon

In the Issyk-Kul region, fir trees close to the monument honoring the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in the Barskoon Gorge were recently felled. Offroadtourkg on Threads shared footage showing the deforestation, suggesting a possible link to ongoing road construction in the area. Images and videos shared depict the destruction of greenery surrounding the memorial site.

Residents in the region are associating the tree cutting with the road construction taking place, raising concerns about the impact on the environment and the significance of the memorial site. The incident has sparked discussions and calls for further investigation into the reasons behind the tree removal near the monument dedicated to Yuri Gagarin.

Ministry of Labor Denies Allegations of Elderly Evictions in Kyrgyzstan

The Ministry of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration of Kyrgyzstan has denied activist Ruslan Sherimbekov's claims about elderly people being evicted from a residential institution in Nizhne-Serafimovka without explanation. The ministry clarified that the information provided by the activist does not align with the actual situation.

This response comes after Sherimbekov complained to the president about the alleged evictions, sparking concerns. The ministry's statement aims to address and dispel any misunderstandings or misinformation regarding the situation.

Distinguished Kyrgyz Artist Kanatbek Mamyrkanov's Impact on Culture

Kanatbek Mamyrkanov, a prominent artist from the remote Naryn region, has played vital roles in advancing Kyrgyz culture. Despite being renowned for portraying drunk characters in films, Mamyrkanov has never consumed alcohol since childhood. An intriguing interview sheds light on this talented artist who has also been courageously battling diabetes for years.

Full interview available at: https://caravan-info.kg/ru/interview/021043-.html

Tree falls in the center of Bishkek again

Another incident of a tree falling in the central part of Bishkek has occurred at the intersection of Kievskaya and Abdrakhmanova streets.

According to eyewitnesses, the tree collapsed near the road, damaging the facade of a shop, prompting the city services to respond. A video from the scene was shared by the deputy mayor, Ramiz Aliev. As of now, there is no information regarding any injuries.

This incident follows a recent event where a large tree fell on multiple cars in downtown Bishkek, reigniting concerns among residents about the condition of trees and the necessity for regular inspection of potentially hazardous ones.

Iranian National Football Team Prepares for World Cup Amid Visa Applications

The Iranian national football team recently visited the Canadian visa center in Ankara, with some players also applying for visas to the United States. They are gearing up for their group stage matches in Inglewood, California (June 15 - against New Zealand, June 21 - against Belgium), and Seattle (June 26 - against Egypt). If they progress to the playoffs, the team will head to Canada.

Due to escalating tensions between the USA and Israel, Iran's football championship was put on hold. Currently, the team is undergoing preparations for the World Cup in Antalya, focusing on their upcoming matches and visa requirements for the tournament.

Traditional "Last Bell" event in Kyrgyzstan schools moved to May 29

In Kyrgyzstan, the traditional celebratory event "Last Bell" in schools will be held on May 29 instead of the initially scheduled May 25, as announced by Aman Ykanov, the leading specialist of the Department of School Education of the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The change in date was due to the extension of the spring break by four days, decided by the Cabinet of Ministers in March because of unfavorable weather conditions. In order to ensure that state educational standards are met and the curriculum is completed as planned, these additional days were rescheduled to the end of May.

📌В Бишкеке пьяный водитель Kia Sorento пытался скрыться от сотрудников УПСМ

В Бишкеке сотрудники УПСМ остановили водителя автомобиля Kia Sorento, который управлял машиной в состоянии алкогольного опьянения.

По данным Управления патрульной службы милиции, инцидент произошел 22 мая около 19:30. Во время задержания водитель отказался выполнять законные требования сотрудников милиции и вместе с пассажиром попытался скрыться в доме, оказывая сопротивление.

Также сообщается, что один из пассажиров вел себя агрессивно и использовал нецензурную брань в адрес сотрудников УПСМ. Медицинское освидетельствование подтвердило, что и водитель, и пассажир находились в состоянии алкогольного опьянения.

Автомобиль водворен на штрафстоянку, в отношении водителя составлен административный протокол. Пассажир, оскорблявший сотрудников милиции, доставлен в Октябрьское РУВД Бишкека. На него составлен протокол по статье «Мелкое хулиганство», после чего его поместили в изолятор временного содержания.

📌Курорт «Жалал-Абад»: последствия селевого потока

Автор видео показала последствия селевого потока — разрушенные тротуары и провалившийся асфальт. Судя по кадрам, поток воды нанес серьезный ущерб территории курорта.

Court Issues Verdict in Abdyrov Murder Case

The Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek recently delivered a verdict concerning former judges, a prosecutor, and a lawyer linked to the Kumarbek Abdyrov case, who was a suspect in the murder of 17-year-old Aisuluu Mukasheva. The trial proceedings were publicly accessible via the Supreme Court's YouTube channel.

For more information on the case and the outcomes of the trial, visit the following link: https://caravan-info.kg/en/society/511859-case-of-taxi-driver-suspected-of-murder-former-judges-in-abdyrov-case-found-guilty-but-acquitted-from-punishment.html

Criminal Case Initiated for Cemetery Monument Vandalism in Bishkek

A criminal case has been opened in Bishkek following the vandalism of monuments in a cemetery, as confirmed by the Department of Internal Affairs of the Lenin District.

On May 21, 2026, at 19:10, a report was made to the "102" service regarding the desecration of tombstones by unidentified individuals, prompting the dispatch of an investigative-operational group to the location.

Police sources have revealed that the incident led to the initiation of a criminal case under Article 280 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, specifically for hooliganism. One teenager has been detained in connection with the case, while others involved have been returned to their parents.

New Immigration Policy Requires Foreigners to Leave US for Green Card Application

The administration of US President Donald Trump has introduced new immigration policy changes. Foreigners currently residing in the US who seek to obtain a green card are now required to leave the country to submit their application documents from their home country. This update was reported by the Associated Press.

These changes mark a significant shift in the process for foreigners seeking permanent residency in the United States, as they must now physically depart the country during the application process, adding an extra layer of complexity and inconvenience to the green card application procedure.

Driver in Bishkek Drags Patrol Officer on Car Hood

A driver in Bishkek tried to flee from the police on Yunusalieva Street and ended up dragging a patrol officer on the hood of the car. A video capturing the incident has circulated on social media.

Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine all the details surrounding the event.

White Lexus Blocks Road in Jal Microdistrict

Subscribers alerted the "KARAVAN-INFO" editorial office about a white Lexus LX, with license plate B5800AN, causing significant disruption in Jal. The parked vehicle obstructed the road, leaving drivers unable to exit the area for approximately an hour.

One frustrated individual shared, "I've been trying to leave for an hour now, what should I do?" This incident highlights the challenges faced by residents due to inconsiderate parking, emphasizing the need for responsible vehicle placement to avoid inconveniencing others.

Rocks Falling on Osh - Bishkek Highway in Tash-Kumyr

After a rainstorm, rocks began to fall onto the Osh - Bishkek highway in Tash-Kumyr, posing a danger to drivers.

The video's author issued a warning to drivers, noting that their car narrowly escaped being hit by rocks. As a result of the rockfall, traffic on the highway was briefly stopped, with drivers taking it upon themselves to clear the road.

Kyrgyzstan Introduces Temporary National Driver's Licenses

The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has recently approved amendments to the driver's license issuance regulations, implementing a new type of document - temporary national driver's licenses.

This change aims to streamline the process of obtaining driver's licenses in Kyrgyzstan, providing a new format that will likely simplify administrative procedures for drivers in the country.

Kyrgyzstan Sees Surge in Honey Exports

In January-March 2026, Kyrgyzstan's honey exports reached 152.8 tons, valued at 37.3 million soms or 426.6 thousand US dollars, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture's press service.

This growth in exports reflects a rising demand for local honey in global markets and signals an expansion of export opportunities for Kyrgyz beekeepers. Compared to the same period last year, honey exports have surged by over 78 tons. Kyrgyz honey's reputation for high quality and ecological purity is driving its increasing popularity among international consumers, with the majority of exports going to Uzbekistan.