BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz authorities say they have found almost $9 million in cash belonging to former Kyrgyz Defense Minister Bakyt Kalyev in a safe-deposit box in a bank in Bishkek, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
Acting Prosecutor-General Baitemir Ibraev told RFE/RL that besides the money, official stamps from Bishkek districts were found in other safe-deposit boxes.
He said the stamps may have been used to legitimize documents by officials in the government of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev involving illegal financial transactions. An investigation is under way.
Kalyev has been arrested by police and is being detained.
Bakiev and his government fled the capital on April 7 amid clashes between antigovernment protesters and security forces that killed more than 80 people and injured hundreds.
Acting Prosecutor-General Baitemir Ibraev told RFE/RL that besides the money, official stamps from Bishkek districts were found in other safe-deposit boxes.
He said the stamps may have been used to legitimize documents by officials in the government of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev involving illegal financial transactions. An investigation is under way.
Kalyev has been arrested by police and is being detained.
Bakiev and his government fled the capital on April 7 amid clashes between antigovernment protesters and security forces that killed more than 80 people and injured hundreds.