18:20, 22 August 2026, Bishkek – 24.kg news agency

, by Anastasia BENGARD

Police in Bishkek are investigating a report of a bomb threat at a shopping center, the Internal Affairs Department of Sverdlovsky district told 24.kg news agency.

According to the department, at about 3:35 p.m. on August 22, 2026, an unidentified man called and demanded that 500,000 soms be transferred to him within 15 minutes. Otherwise, the caller threatened to detonate a bomb in the TSUM building.

The incident was registered, and a preliminary investigation has been launched.

Police officers, including an investigative and operational team from the Internal Affairs Department of Sverdlovsky district, are currently working at the scene. The area has been cordoned off, and visitors and shopping center staff have been evacuated as a precaution.

Cynologists from the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Special Operations Service are also at the scene with service dogs. The building and surrounding area are being inspected.

Police are taking all necessary measures to identify the caller, determine his whereabouts and verify the information received.

Knowingly making a false report about a threat to commit dangerous acts carries liability under Kyrgyz law.

Additional information will be provided following the ongoing investigation.