Astana Court Upholds Sentences for Organized Crime Group Led by Yeldos Kospayev

The Astana court has reviewed and upheld the verdict in the case involving an organized crime group led by Yeldos Kospayev, known by the nickname “Maneater” and reportedly considered close to Bolat Nazarbayev, Orda.kz reports.

Defense lawyers argued that the investigation was flawed and cited poor-quality forensic examinations during the appeal.

However, the appellate panel left the original ruling by the Specialized Interdistrict Criminal Court of Astana unchanged.

The trial involved 11 defendants, including brothers Yeldos and Aidos Kospayev, and was held behind closed doors due to one charge concerning sexual assault.

The initial verdict was issued on January 28, 2025. 

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya