Former Rudny Prosecutor on Trial for Alleged 20 Million Tenge Bribe

Former Rudny city prosecutor Murat Uspanov is standing trial in Qostanay, accused of attempting to take a 20 million tenge bribe to halt an investigation into budget embezzlement, Orda.kz reports, citing Qostanay News.

The case is being heard in a shortened procedure. Witnesses are not being called, as the defendant has admitted guilt and does not dispute the investigative materials.

Uspanov has been under arrest since September 29 and was brought to court today under escort from the pre-trial detention center. Numerous relatives and friends attended the hearing,
 the media reports.

According to the prosecution, in the spring of 2024, an audit of the Rudny Akimat’s construction department revealed violations totaling more than 255 million tenge during neighborhood improvement works. The department head, Dauren Zhakenov, faced potential criminal charges for embezzlement.

Zhakenov informed the National Security Committee (KNB).

On September 28, he received the money—part of which was marked — and met the prosecutor in a store parking lot. Uspanov allegedly accepted the bag of cash and tried to drive away. He was detained almost immediately by KNB officers.

The following day, the former prosecutor was placed in a detention cell. The trial continues.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina