The National Security Committee of Kazakhstan (NSC) has confirmed that a pre-trial investigation is being conducted following reports of the alleged detention of heads of oil companies in Zhanaozen, Mangystau Region. The agency did not disclose details of the case or specify who is involved.
WHAT THE NSC REPORTED
As reported by BES.media, the editorial team sent an official request to the NSC after information emerged about detentions of representatives of the oil industry.
The agency confirmed the fact of the investigation but declined to disclose details.
“We inform you that a pre-trial investigation is being conducted. Other information, in accordance with Part 1 of Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code, is not subject to disclosure,” the NSC response states.
WHO WAS ALLEGEDLY DETAINED
Earlier, the publication “Ak Zhayyk” reported the alleged detention of representatives of the management of the oilfield services company Jana Oil Service LLP, formerly known as “Kezbi”.
Aktau blogger Azamat Sarsenbaev also reported an alleged operation by NSC officers and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MIA) in Zhanaozen.
According to his source, representatives of the company’s management may have deliberately provoked labour conflicts and strikes in order to obtain additional funding from Ozenmunaygaz JSC.
This information has not been officially confirmed.
WHAT KAZMUNAYGAS RESPONDED
Reports of possible detentions also concerned employees of Ozenmunaygaz JSC.
However, NC KazMunayGas JSC denied the information about the detention of employees of that company.
WHAT REMAINS UNKNOWN
The NSC did not report the number of alleged detainees, their procedural status, or the articles of the Criminal Code under which the investigation is being conducted.
Thus, only the fact of a pre-trial investigation has been officially confirmed. Information about the involvement of specific heads of oil companies and the alleged organisation of strikes remains unconfirmed.
