Almambet Shykmamatov. Photo courtesy of 24.kg
Almambet Shykmamatov, previously a presidential aide, has been appointed as the chairman of the State Tax Service (STS) in Kyrgyzstan, 24.kg reports. The decree was signed by Adylbek Kasymaliev, who was officially confirmed as prime minister on December 18.
The leadership change at the STS followed the arrest of its former head, Altynbek Abduvapov, over allegations of involvement in schemes exploiting electronic consignment notes (ECTNs). This arrest came after the detention of four senior STS officials and about 30 employees on corruption charges. According to Kamchybek Tashiev, head of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS), the officials orchestrated a corruption scheme that caused the state a loss of 3.2 billion soms ($36.8 million).
Kydykbek Kydyrov, who previously managed the STS office in Bishkek's Pervomaisky district, was appointed acting head of the STS after Abduvapov’s arrest. However, he too faced accusations of concealing ECTNs.
Shykmamatov, the newly appointed chairman, has no prior experience in the tax service.
About Almambet Shykmamatov:
Born on October 21, 1969, in Frunze (now Bishkek), Shykmamatov graduated from Bishkek Humanities University in 1994 with a degree in Russian language and literature. He later earned a degree in law from Kyrgyz National University in 2003 and completed studies at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration in 2013.
Shykmamatov has held several prominent positions, including Minister of Justice, head of the Agency for Investment Development and Attraction, chairman of the State Registration Service, head of the Bishkek Free Economic Zone, and chairman of the State Mortgage Company. He has also served as a member of Kyrgyzstan’s parliament (Jogorku Kenesh) and led the Ata-Meken parliamentary faction. In 2024, he was appointed as a presidential aide.
Shykmamatov is married and has three sons and a daughter.
