Melis Turgunbaev, former head of the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan, has been detained on suspicion of corruption.

He is accused of involvement in a multi-billion-som embezzlement scheme at Kyrgyzneftegaz, where he chaired the board from 2020 to 2021, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

Turgunbaev also served as head of the National Bank from June 26, 2024, to March 17, 2026, and previously held the post of Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Oversight.

The case is being investigated by the Main Investigative Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

On March 16, the State Tax Service released footage alleging the embezzlement of about 4.18 billion soms ($46 million) through intermediary schemes and questionable raw material write-offs, reportedly involving individuals linked to relatives of Kamchybek Tashiev, former Minister of Emergency Situations.