INTERNATIONAL — February 16, 2026

Kyrgyzstan Police Detain 300 at Illegal Cockfighting and Gambling Event in Osh

Kyrgyzstan police detained 300 people, including about 100 foreign nationals, at an illegal cockfighting and gambling event hosted at a private residence in Osh. Seven detainees were identified as undocumented migrants, with investigations ongoing.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Khaama Press2 min read

Kyrgyzstan Police Detain 300 at Illegal Cockfighting and Gambling Event in Osh
Image courtesy Khaama Press

Police in Kyrgyzstan detained 300 people overnight at an illegal cockfighting and gambling gathering in Osh, including foreign and local participants.

Kyrgyzstan Police stated that the 300 individuals were arrested after gathering for cockfighting and betting activities organized at a private residence in the southern city of Osh.

Authorities reported that around 100 of the detainees were foreign nationals, while approximately 200 were Kyrgyz citizens who attended the event arranged by a local resident.

Investigators said the betting event was hosted by a 38-year-old man who invited a large number of guests to participate in the gambling activities.

Police added that seven individuals detained during the operation were later identified as undocumented migrants following preliminary checks.

Cockfighting and gambling remain illegal in many parts of the region, with authorities periodically conducting raids to curb underground betting and animal fighting networks.

Security officials have increased monitoring of gatherings linked to illegal betting, citing concerns over criminal networks and unregulated migration activities associated with such events.

Authorities said investigations continue and further legal action could follow as officials seek to prevent similar illegal gambling gatherings.

Read the original reporting at Khaama Press

Reliability assessment

Single source with direct attribution to Kyrgyzstan Police, authorities, and investigators, providing concrete checkable details including detainee numbers, nationalities, organizer's age, and location.

Across the newsrooms

Filed by

Filed under

InternationalKyrgyzstan, Osh, cockfighting, gambling, arrests

Spotted an error or have more on this story? Tip the desk on Telegram → or WhatsApp →.

Reader supported

Keep Ehtebar running

Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.

€5

helps cover daily verification runs

€15

supports a week of source comparison

€50

keeps independent analysis moving