The authorities of Tajikistan have arrested the former chairman of Dushanbe International Airport and the airline “Tajik Air”. Rustam Khalikov was arrested on May 26 of this year. While he was the former head of the airline “Tajik Air”, he held the position of manager of Dushanbe International Airport. Radio Ozodi, citing its sources, reported […]
The authorities of Tajikistan have arrested the former chairman of Dushanbe International Airport and the airline “Tajik Air”.
Rustam Khalikov was arrested on May 26 of this year. While he was the former head of the airline “Tajik Air”, he held the position of manager of Dushanbe International Airport.
Radio Ozodi, citing its sources, reported that Rustam Khalikov is accused of embezzlement or misappropriation of funds, “forgery of documents,” and “fraud.”
According to the source, based on this, his property and assets have been seized by the authorities. The case is linked to his time working at “Tajik Air.”
Previously, in an interview on July 25, 2014, he spoke about the economic situation of the company. At that time, “Tajik Air” owed more than 70 million somoni to Dushanbe Airport. The entrepreneur claimed that there were attempts to improve the economic situation in the company.
Eight years ago, Khalikov stated at a press conference for “Tajik Air” that in less than six months, the company had paid off its debts to international airports. According to him, they were able to ensure the safety of flights for this company. – BBC.
Some experts claim that the President of Tajikistan directly contributes to the stagnation of “Tajik Air.” This is because Rahmon provided numerous privileges to another Tajik airline, “Somon Air.” The competitors of “Tajik Air” are an offshore company linked to the president’s brother-in-law, Hasan Asadullozoda. It is also noted that he facilitated the cancellation of more than half of “Tajik Air’s” routes. Then, as experts emphasize, it was he who bankrupted the state company.
As a result, in 2014, Emomali Rahmon appointed Khalikov as the general director of the country’s main airport in Dushanbe. The president then assigned him the functions of general director of OJSC “Tajik Air.”
However, Rustam Khalikov worked in this position until January 27, 2016. Then, by another decree of Rahmon, he was relieved of his duties as general director of Dushanbe International Airport.
This is not the first news about the initiation of a case and the issuance of an arrest warrant for the former head of OJSC “Tajik Air.” On the morning of August 4, 2019, Rustam Khalikov was detained by the officers of the State Committee for National Security of Tajikistan. After interrogation, he was released. The incident occurred before his flight to Turkey at the airport of the city of Dushanbe.
The authorities of Tajikistan have not yet officially commented to the media on his detention. There have also been no comments from Khalikov’s relatives and close ones regarding his recent detention.