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Interim Kyrgyz Authorities Say Millions Seized From 'Bakiev Bank Accounts,' Allege Embezzlement Plans

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Then-President Kurmanbek Bakiev during a public appearance in 2009
Then-President Kurmanbek Bakiev during a public appearance in 2009
BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan's interim government claims that more than $20 million in cash and gold belonging to ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev and members of his family has been uncovered so far in Kyrgyz banks, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Bakiev fled after deadly protest violence to Kazakhstan and then to Belarus, where he has withdrawn a resignation that he says he was forced to issue.

Temir Sariev, the interim government's deputy prime minister and finance minister, told RFE/RL that officials are continuing the search and that more cash and other valuables belonging to Bakiev and his family might be found.

Sariev said investigators have recovered several computers and memory sticks that reveal financial schemes used by Bakiev and other members of his family to "embezzle money."

The Prosecutor-General's Office has opened several criminal cases against Bakiev's grown sons, Marat and Maksim, who last week were charged in absentia with abuse of power and embezzlement.

Marat was the deputy chairman of Kyrgyzstan's National Security Service, and Maksim headed the state Agency for Investment and Economic Development. They lost their posts after their father was ousted on April 7 after massive antigovernment protests.
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