Hoax bomb threats in Bishkek: One of suspects detained

The State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS) detained a Kyrgyzstani, who was one of the active participants of a closed transnational cyber group consisting of CIS citizens. The SCNS press center reported.

The group reportedly specializes in hacking and stealing personal data of Internet users, sending fake news, including accepting orders for sending anonymous messages with false information about alleged bombs planted in the CIS.

«It was found out that on October 30, the detainee, using VPN technology for anonymous data transfer, sent an anonymous message to the secretariat of the Ministry of Internal Affairs about alleged bombs planted in shopping centers in Kyrgyzstan. His involvement in sending anonymous messages to the Ministry of Internal Affairs about a bomb planted in GUM on July 18 was also established,» the SCNS reported.

The State Committee added that, together with partner intelligence agencies, it is carrying out operational and investigative measures to identify other authors of anonymous messages, based on the results of which the necessary measures will be taken. The SCNS added that the detainees would be punished in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The SCNS warns that committing these acts will result in criminal liability under Article 259 (knowingly false report of an act of terrorism) of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic with imprisonment for up to five years.