Police officers in Kyrgyzstan have detained a close associate of former senior security official Eldar Zhakypbekov, in a move that deepens a sweeping shake-up across the country’s powerful security and political establishment.

Officers from the Interior Ministry’s Main Criminal Investigation Department detained an investigator from the regional branch of the State Committee for National Security in the Chui region, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

The detainee, reportedly known by the nickname “Vaseline,” is identified as Ulan and is considered a close associate of Zhakypbekov. Authorities have not disclosed the exact charges or suspicions related to the detention.

The development follows the arrest of Zhakypbekov himself on February 15. The former head of the State Committee for National Security’s Bishkek department was placed in a temporary detention facility, with the investigation now being handled by the military prosecutor’s office.

The arrests come amid dramatic political changes triggered earlier this month. On February 10, President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree dismissing Kamchybek Tashiev from his post as deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and head of the State Committee for National Security. According to the president’s press secretary, individuals close to Tashiev contacted lawmakers, urging them to back the general and push for new presidential election.

Tashiev’s removal has been followed by a sweeping restructuring of Kyrgyzstan’s security apparatus. Several of his deputies were dismissed, the Border Service was separated from the State Committee for National Security, and a new State Protection Service was established under direct presidential control. Political fallout extended further, with parliamentary speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu stepping down, and Tashiev’s nephew, Nurgazy Matisakov, removed from his role as head of the transport prosecutor’s office.

Most recently, Transport and Communications Minister Absattar Syrgabekov was also dismissed. Local media describe him as a close ally of Tashiev, highlighting the widening scope of the ongoing political and security realignment in the country.