National Security Committee (NSC) has shut down the activities of an organised group that was illegally exporting oil products from Kazakhstan. Over 2019–2023, more than 160,000 tonnes of oil products were sent abroad through one of the companies. The total value of the operations was estimated at approximately KZT 45 billion.
HOW THE SCHEME WORKED
According to the NSC press service, the investigation believes the organiser of the scheme was an entrepreneur from Mangystau Region. He concluded contracts with subsoil users for the purchase of crude oil.
The oil was processed at mini oil refineries Standart Petroleum and Mangystau Oil Refining. Fictitious quality certificates were issued for the finished products.
The oil products were exported abroad disguised as heating oil. A tanker dispatched through the Aktau sea port was used for transportation.
Through Batys Nefte Trade LLP alone, over 160,000 tonnes of oil products were illegally exported over four years.
WHAT ASSETS WERE CONFISCATED
In 2026, as part of the criminal case, the assets of the individuals involved were confiscated, including the mini refinery, the tanker and other assets.
More than KZT 2 billion in illegally obtained income and unpaid taxes was recovered in favour of the state.
WHO WAS CONVICTED
The Aktau City Court previously sentenced five members of the organised group to 8 years' imprisonment. Among those convicted were the heads of the mini refinery and the trading company.
They were convicted under Part 3 of Article 234 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Economic smuggling") and Part 2 of Article 262 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Creating and leading an organised group, a criminal organisation, as well as participating in them").
The suspected organiser of the scheme is on the international wanted list.
