Kamchybek Tashiev Removed as Head of Kyrgyzstan’s GKNB

Kamchybek Tashiev has been relieved of his duties as head of Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (GKNB), the presidential administration confirmed.

Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov has been appointed as acting chief. His nomination for the permanent role will be considered by the Kyrgyz parliament.

Tashiev, born on September 27, 1968 in Jalal-Abad region, initially worked in business and entrepreneurship before entering politics in the early 2000s. He was elected to the Kyrgyz parliament and later became a prominent political figure.

In autumn 2020, Tashiev was appointed head of the GKNB, where he oversaw national security and anti-corruption initiatives. Some political analysts speculated that he could be a future presidential candidate. The country is currently led by President Sadyr Japarov.