Former Justice Minister Marat Beketayev Remains in Custody
Photo: Marat Beketayev Instagram
The arrest of former Justice Minister Marat Beketayev has been extended until March 10, according to the Prosecutor General's Office, Orda.kz reports.
Beketayev was detained in October 2023 while attempting to leave Kazakhstan for London via Istanbul. Since then, he has remained in custody as the investigation continues.
Authorities accuse Beketayev of lobbying for Bolashak Consulting Group, which handled Kazakhstan’s defense in the Stati case.
The firm, linked to former Almaty Mayor Bauyrzhan Baibek and Beketayev, allegedly secured lucrative state contracts for unnecessary services, causing substantial financial losses. He is also suspected of illegally transferring assets abroad with the help of former National Security Committee (KNB) Chief Karim Massimov.
Initially questioned as a witness, Beketayev later became a suspect. While he was previously under a travel ban, the case was kept under wraps to prevent leaks.
In mid-2024, an audit by the Supreme Audit Chamber uncovered irregularities in the Ministry of Justice and its affiliated organizations. The findings were passed to Antikor, Kazakhstan’s anti-corruption agency, which subsequently detained Beketayev and launched an investigation into Bolashak Consulting Group.
Original Author: Alexandra Mokhireva
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