Court Hears Witness Testimony in High-Profile Case Against Former Security Official in Shymkent

In Shymkent, court proceedings are ongoing in the high-profile case against a former employee of the Shymkent National Security Committee, Manat Sarbasov, Orda.kz reports.

The high-ranking official is suspected of fraud on an especially large scale, giving and receiving a bribe, and legalization of illegally acquired assets.

Testimony from Roza Umbetova

The latest hearing began with the interrogation of Roza Umbetova, who worked for Elmira Duisenkyzy for almost 17 years. Umbetova testified that she repeatedly heard from colleagues about a certain employee of the National Security Committee named Manat, who would come to visit Duisenkyzy.

During these visits, Elmira Duisenkyzy reportedly forbade staff from interrupting her.

In May 2019, Elmira Duysenkyzy was preparing for her daughter’s wedding. She invited me into her office and said she was going to Almaty. She gave me a large envelope with five million (tenge - Ed.), wrapped in tape, and asked me to keep it at my place for the time being. She added: if she was late, she would call me, and they would come for the envelope. Three days later, Duysenkyzy arrived, called and asked me to bring the envelope from home and bring it to her office. At 15.30, I entered the office and saw a man, a round-faced man with sparse hair, and Elmira Duysenkyzy was sitting opposite him. They were sitting at a table covered with sweets. I left the money on the edge of the table and left,
says Roza Umbetova. 

Sarbasov’s defense was surprised that Umbetova was able to identify him during the investigation; she had only seen him in profile. Umbetova explained that she had seen him again at the wedding of Elmira Duisenkyzy’s daughter, where he had been invited.

Additional Witness Testimony

Akerke Yesenbay, another former employee of Duisenkyzy, also testified. She served as Duisenkyzy’s secretary for six years before going on maternity leave five years ago.

Manat Sarbasov came to the college several times, once a month. He went into Elmira Duisenkyzy's office. Once I went into the office, and there was money on the table where Sarbasov was sitting. The last time I saw Sarbasov was in the summer of 2019, I even remember how he was dressed. I did not see any other employees of the National Security Committee in our medical college,
Akerke Yesenbay told the court. 

Driver’s Account 

Ruslan Yusupov, a driver for the former DKNB employee, also gave testimony. He worked alongside Sarbasov for five years and stated that he repeatedly performed courier tasks on Sarbasov’s behalf.

I went to the medical college twice on behalf of Manat to pick up documents. The first time I took an A4 paper folder, the second time I took a small black bag. I don't know what was in the bag. Also, during working hours, Sarbasov and I went to the medical college in a company car,
Ruslan Yusupov explained to the court. 

Upcoming Testimonies

The planned online questioning of Elmira Duisenkyzy’s son did not take place due to technical issues. The court requested him to appear in person at the next hearing, during which the businesswoman’s lawyer is also expected to be questioned.

Original Author: Alexandra Kim