The Department of the Agency for Financial Monitoring (AFM) for the Mangystau Region is investigating a case of the alleged embezzlement of funds allocated for the opening of a burns unit at the Zhanaozen Multidisciplinary City Hospital. Among those under investigation are a former deputy akim of Zhanaozen and representatives of the hospital, a public fund and a supplier company.
WHAT IS KNOWN
According to the AFM, in 2025 the health department of the Mangystau Region approached JSC NC "KazMunayGas" with a request to provide sponsorship for the opening of a burns unit. Funds in the amount of KZT 223 million were transferred by JSC "OzenMunayGas" to the public fund "Zharylkau".
Initially, the project envisaged the purchase of eight types of medical equipment and the training of specialists. Later the terms were changed: instead of comprehensive equipping of the unit, a tripartite agreement was concluded between the fund, the city hospital and "AKBS Invest" LLP for the purchase of two anti-burn beds worth KZT 210 million.
WHAT THE INVESTIGATION ESTABLISHED
The investigation believes that the purchase was carried out bypassing the requirements of the legislation, according to which medical equipment of such value must be purchased through a Single Distributor.
According to the investigation's version, the deputy director of the city hospital, the head of the public fund "Zharylkau", a former deputy akim of the city of Zhanaozen and the supplier are involved in the alleged scheme. According to the investigation materials, only KZT 92 million was spent on the equipment. The remaining amount was cashed out through affiliated enterprises and distributed among the participants.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE PROPERTY
A representative of "AKBS Invest" LLP purchased an apartment in Astana using the proceeds which, according to the investigation, were criminal, and registered it in the names of third parties.
In respect of the former deputy akim of Zhanaozen, an investigation has been launched on the grounds of abuse of official powers under Article 361 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Abuse of official powers").
MEASURES IN RESPECT OF THE SUSPECTS
The court authorised the remand in custody of three suspects. Also, by court decision, property has been seized, including two apartments, two residential houses and a car.
The investigation is ongoing. Other information is not being disclosed in accordance with Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
