Kyrgyz deputy energy minister detained for $450,000 coal embezzlement

BISHKEK. June 19 (Interfax) - A Kyrgyz deputy energy minister and the KyrgyzKomur commercial director have been detained on counts of embezzling coal supplied to the Bishkek heat and power plant, the Kyrgyz National Security Committee's press service said on Monday.

"In furtherance of the fight against systemic corruption in the energy sector, the National Security Committee is investigating a criminal case against Kyrgyz Energy Ministry officials on counts of multimillion embezzlement of coal for the Bishkek heat and power plant," the press service said.

Investigators have found that the coal mafia, including senior officials from the Energy Ministry and affiliated entities, stole over 15,000 tonnes of coal worth more than 40 million soms ($456,000) while the coal was transported from the Kara-Keche mine to Balykchi by truck and from Balykchi to the Bishkek heat and power plant by rail.

"The State Security Committee has detained a Kyrgyz deputy energy minister and the KyrgyzKomur commercial director involved in the aforesaid corruption case, which endangered operations of the Bishkek heat and power plant and inflicted substantial damage on the national budget," the press service said.