Kyrgyz: Crime situation worsening in CA

CHOLPON-ATA, Kyrgyzstan – The links between trans-national crime groups has caused crime to worsen in Central Asia, Kyrgyz State National Security Committee Chairman Shamil Atakhanov said September 14, according to RIA Novosti.

The close financial and other interests of crime groups presents a serious security threat, he said at the 21st conference of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation.

That same problem has caused growth in drug, arms and human trafficking, and illegal immigration, he said. Illegal immigration allows extremist groups to plant terrorists in areas ahead of planned terror acts, hide from authorities and naturalise their members, he said.

Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Russia also are participating in the conference.