In a dramatic turn of events, Azeri blogger Bakhtiyar Hajiyev confessed to smuggling charges against him, implicating high-ranking officials in the process. During a hearing at the Baku Heavy Crime Court, Hajiyev disclosed that he had imported goods worth one million Azeri manat (approximately $500,000 USD) from abroad with the assistance of Hikmat Hajiyev (not related), a presidential advisor, as revealed by Rufat Safarov, a human rights defender, in a post on his social media account.
This latest revelation adds to a series of serious allegations against Hikmat Hajiyev, including corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement. Despite facing such accusations in the past, Hajiyev has evaded consequences, thanks in part to his close proximity to President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. His influential position grants him significant opportunities to manipulate information critical of him, thus shielding himself and his associates from scrutiny.
It is unlikely that the court will thoroughly investigate Bakhtiyar Hajiyev’s allegations against Hikmat Hajiyev, given the Azerbaijani courts’ history of subservience to powerful officials like him. Internal sources suggest that serious allegations involving Hikmat Hajiyev have been routinely dismissed by administrative, appeal, and high courts in Azerbaijan, often citing suspicious statutes of limitations.
Recent reports from foreign media outlet France 24 have further shed light on Hikmat Hajiyev’s influence, suggesting his involvement in campaigns against several countries in Azerbaijani media. The smuggling allegations imply that Hajiyev’s illicit influence extends beyond foreign relations, media, and NGOs, which he officially and unofficially controls. It raises concerns that Hajiyev may also have the ability to bypass customs and border service agencies, which are ostensibly under the control of more powerful officials such as Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and head of border troops Elchin Quliyev.
Unconfirmed reports circulating within the government suggest that Hikmat Hajiyev and his faction may enjoy the support of Baylar Eyyubov, a powerful head of the presidential guard.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen if the influence of high-ranking officials can develop to the point of challenging the power of President Aliyev.
