BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev has dismissed his defense minister, Abibilla Kudaiberdiev, after the state security service and prosecutors said they were investigating him for embezzlement.
Atambaev's office said on October 12 that one of Kudaiberdiev's deputies will serve as acting minister.
The Kyrgyz State Committee for National Security and Prosecutor-General's Office announced earlier on October 12 that Kudaiberdiev and several of his associates are suspected of abuse of office, forgery and embezzlement.
According to the statements, Kudaiberdiev and some of his associates are suspected in embezzlement of 12 million soms ($175,000).
It was unclear whether or not Kudaiberdiev has been detained.
Defense Ministry officials have yet to comment on the case.