Raimbek Matraimov

Full Report

Key Points

• Corruption Allegations: Raimbek Matraimov, a former deputy chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s State Customs Service, is implicated in a massive corruption scheme involving the laundering of approximately $700 million from Kyrgyzstan, facilitated through a smuggling empire with the Abdukadyr family.

• Criminal Connections: Matraimov is suspected of ties to organized crime, including an alleged assassination plot against Kyrgyz leadership in 2024, leading to his extradition from Azerbaijan.

• Legal Outcomes: Despite guilty pleas for corruption, Matraimov has consistently avoided significant jail time, often receiving fines or plea deals, such as a $3,000 fine in 2021 and a $1,152 fine in 2024 for hooliganism and illegal border crossing.

• Asset Seizures: Kyrgyz authorities have confiscated properties worth over $34.8 million from Matraimov, with plans to nationalize additional assets, signaling a crackdown on his wealth.

• U.S. Sanctions: Matraimov and his wife, Uulkan Turgunova, were sanctioned by the U.S. under the Global Magnitsky Act in 2020 for their role in the corruption scheme, highlighting international concern.

• Political Influence: Matraimov’s wealth and connections have historically granted him significant influence in Kyrgyz politics, though recent government actions suggest a shift against him.

Overview

Raimbek Matraimov, born May 3, 1971, in Agartuu, Kara-Suu district, Osh oblast, Kyrgyzstan, is a former Kyrgyz politician and deputy chairman of the State Customs Service (2015–2017). Starting as a customs inspector in 1997, he rose through the ranks, holding key positions in the Southern department and Osh department before becoming deputy chairman. Known as “Raimbek Millions” due to his vast wealth, Matraimov has been a central figure in Kyrgyz politics and organized crime. His influence extended beyond customs, with his family, including brothers Iskender, Tilek, Ruslan, and Islambek, holding significant political and administrative roles. Despite being fired in 2017, Matraimov remained a powerful figure until recent government crackdowns under President Sadyr Japarov and GKNB head Kamchybek Tashiyev.

Matraimov’s activities primarily revolved around leveraging his customs position to facilitate smuggling and money laundering, allegedly amassing a fortune through illicit schemes. His charitable foundation, the Ismail Matraimov Foundation, and political party affiliations, such as Mekenim Kyrgyzstan, further extended his influence. However, his public profile has shifted from untouchable powerbroker to a wanted figure facing charges of money laundering, illegal detention, and assassination plotting.

Allegations and Concerns

• Money Laundering and Smuggling: Investigative reports by Radio Azattyk, Kloop, OCCRP, and Bellingcat (2019–2020) revealed Matraimov’s role in a corruption scheme that laundered $700 million from Kyrgyzstan. He allegedly enabled Chinese companies, led by the Abdukadyr family, to evade customs fees, with profits funneled abroad. A key source, Aierken Saimaiti, was murdered in Istanbul in 2019 after exposing the scheme.

• Assassination Plot: In March 2024, Matraimov was extradited from Azerbaijan for allegedly orchestrating a plot to assassinate Kyrgyz leadership, retaliating against the government’s anti-crime efforts. Five Azerbaijani nationals were detained in connection.

• Organized Crime Ties: Matraimov is linked to crime boss Kamchy Kolbaev, killed in 2023, and the Abdukadyr family, with whom he shared business and familial ties (his son married Khabibula Abdukadyr’s daughter in 2021).

• Unexplained Wealth: Matraimov and his wife, Uulkan Turgunova, own properties, including a Dubai apartment and a Lake Issyk-Kul cottage, far exceeding their official salaries. Turgunova’s lavish lifestyle, including expensive jewelry, drew scrutiny.

• Attacks on Journalists: A Kyrgyz journalist was physically attacked in 2020 after publishing a story about Turgunova’s wealth. Matraimov’s 2019 lawsuit against Radio Liberty and Kloop for defamation was criticized by Reporters Without Borders as “absurd.”

• Political Manipulation: Matraimov is suspected of bankrolling Sadyr Japarov’s rise to presidency in 2020 and influencing the Mekenim Kyrgyzstan party, led by his brother Iskender.

Customer Feedback

As Matraimov is an individual, not a business, there are no direct consumer reviews. However, public and media sentiment can be considered analogous feedback:

• Positive Sentiment: Matraimov’s charitable activities, such as building sports clubs and the Islamic Muftiate headquarters, earned him some local support in Osh. His foundation’s contributions were seen as beneficial by some communities.

  • Example: “Matraimov’s foundation built infrastructure that locals appreciated, like sports facilities in Kara-Suu.” (Paraphrased from reports on his charitable work.)

• Negative Sentiment: The Kyrgyz public has expressed outrage over Matraimov’s corruption, with protests in 2019 demanding investigations into his wealth. His nickname “Raimbek Millions” reflects widespread disdain for his ill-gotten gains.

  • Example: “Rayim Million’s corruption has robbed Kyrgyzstan of resources for healthcare and education,” stated a 2019 protester (paraphrased from Radio Liberty coverage).

• Media Critique: Investigative journalists have faced harassment and lawsuits, indicating Matraimov’s attempts to suppress criticism. The murder of Saimaiti and attacks on journalists underscore the dangers of exposing him.

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risks: Matraimov’s assets are under intense scrutiny, with $34.8 million already seized and more targeted for nationalization. His ability to generate wealth is curtailed by sanctions and asset freezes, posing risks to any financial dealings with him.

• Reputational Risks: Association with Matraimov carries significant stigma due to his U.S. sanctions, organized crime ties, and public notoriety. His family’s extravagant lifestyle amidst Kyrgyzstan’s poverty fuels public resentment.

• Legal Risks: Ongoing charges of money laundering, illegal detention, and assassination plotting suggest a high likelihood of future convictions. His history of lenient sentences may not persist under the current anti-crime regime.

• Political Risks: Matraimov’s influence has waned as Japar Fov’s administration targets his network. His former allies, including parliament members, face expulsion, isolating him politically.

• Security Risks: Alleged ties to assassination plots and crime bosses like Kolbaev indicate potential for violent reprisals or instability in dealings with Matraimov.

Business Relations and Associations

• Abdukadyr Family: Matraimov collaborated with the secretive Uyghur family, led by Khabibula Abdukadyr, in a smuggling empire. His wife co-owned a Dubai property with an Abdukadyr family member, and his son married Abdukadyr’s daughter in 2021.

• Kamchy Kolbaev: Matraimov was linked to Kyrgyzstan’s top crime boss (killed in 2023), with their families socializing publicly. Kolbaev’s death prompted Matraimov’s flight to Azerbaijan.

• Zamirbek Karashev: Matraimov’s successor in the customs service, Karashev vacationed with Matraimov’s family in Thailand, suggesting continued influence in customs operations.

• Mekenim Kyrgyzstan Party: Bankrolled by Matraimov, this party, led by his brother Iskender, was implicated in vote-buying during the 2020 election (later annulled).

• Ismail Matraimov Foundation: Used to bolster Matraimov’s public image and political campaigns, the foundation’s donations were linked to illicit funds.

• Sadyr Japarov: Speculation persists that Matraimov financed Japarov’s 2020 rise to power, though Japarov’s administration later turned against him.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Corruption Convictions:

  • 2021: Pleaded guilty to corruption, fined $3,000, and paid $23.7 million in damages (1.4 billion som cash, 600 million som in property). Avoided jail via Japarov’s “economic amnesty.”

  • 2024: Fined 100,000 som ($1,152) for hooliganism and illegal border crossing after extradition.

• Money Laundering Charges: Charged in 2021 and 2024 for laundering $700 million, though charges often dropped or reduced.

• Illegal Detention: Accused in 2024 of abducting and illegally incarcerating individuals, with pretrial detention extended to October 2024.

• U.S. Sanctions: Sanctioned in 2020 under the Global Magnitsky Act for laundering $700 million, freezing his U.S. assets and restricting financial transactions.

• Asset Seizures: $34.8 million in properties confiscated in 2024, with $50 million more targeted. Properties include a mansion in Osh and apartments in Bishkek.

• Lawsuits: Filed a defamation lawsuit against Radio Liberty and Kloop in 2019, ongoing as of 2021, criticized as an attempt to silence journalists.

• No Bankruptcy Records: No evidence of personal bankruptcy, though asset seizures significantly impact his financial status.

Risk Assessment Table

Engaging with Matraimov or his associates is strongly discouraged due to critical reputational and legal risks. His sanctioned status restricts financial transactions, and his organized crime ties pose security threats. Any involvement should be preceded by thorough due diligence, prioritizing compliance with international sanctions and anti-money laundering regulations. Monitor Kyrgyz government actions, as further asset seizures or convictions could alter his status.