In the course of the Cabinet Session held on 9 December, the head of Turkmenistan’s State Economic Crime Enforcement Agency Mammetkham Chakyev gave a progress report.
The state information agency TDH reports that in the course of inspections, abuse of power by some officials, cases of bribery and corruption were identified in some ministries, in particular in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Economy, enterprises of the Ministry of Railroad Transport, the state holding “Turkmenneft”, Turkmenbashi complex of oil refineries and the State Fishery Committee.
Based on the results of the report, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov dismissed Minister of Labour and Social Security, Chairperson of the Pension Fund Seyitmamed Akmammedov “for grave shortcomings while fulfilling job responsibilities”. Deputy Minister M. Sylapov was temporarily appointed as his replacement.
The CEO of Turkmenbashi complex of oil refineries D. Byashimov and Chairperson of the State Fishery Committee T. Pashiev were reprimanded for grave shortcomings while fulfilling job responsibilities.
After that the head of the state charged the Chairperson of Turkmenistan’s Mejlis (Parliament) Akdja Nurberdyeva with the task of reviewing the existing legislation and toughening punishment for bribery and corruption.
“Those convicted on these charges cannot be pardoned and such acts of law need to be strengthened. Nobody should be allowed to embezzle public funds and make a fortune on it. If needed, we will increase the staff of Turkmenistan’s State Economic Crime Enforcement Agency”, — the state information agency quoted the President.