Former KNB Head Resigns as Volleyball Federation President

As reported by the Volleyball Federation of Kazakhstan press service, Madi Takiyev was elected president for 2024-2028. He was introduced at a conference held the day before in Almaty.

Nurtay Abykayev, who had led the federation for 26 years, announced his resignation last summer. Reports had emerged that the Minister of Finance would take his place. Madi Takiyev, having officially expressed gratitude, invited Abykayev to become the honorary president of the KFV and head the federation's supervisory board. 

Nurtay Abykayev is considered a loyal ally of the first president of Kazakhstan. Under Nursultan Nazarbayev, he held various high positions: he headed the presidential administration, was Nazarbayev's first assistant, worked as an ambassador, and headed the National Security Committee (KNB).

Abykayev's name was once mentioned in a border service scandal. Former General Abdyrzak Ilyasov, who caught the attention of investigative bodies, stated that he was convicted on Nurtay Abykayev's order. Ilyasov claimed that criticism of the leadership and disagreement with his superiors' decisions caused inconveniences. 

In 2013, Abdyrzak Ilyasov was charged with corruption and leading a criminal group and sentenced to 13 years in prison. After nine years in prison, he seeks rehabilitation, restoration of his reputation, and a review of his case.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov