Government Confirms Removal of Transport Official Under Investigation

The government has officially confirmed the dismissal of Satzhan Ablaliyev from his position as Vice Minister of Transport, Orda.kz reports.

Ablaliyev is suspected of accepting a large bribe — allegedly 78 million tenge — in exchange for granting favorable treatment to companies responsible for monitoring the quality of national road construction projects.

There is a version suggesting that part of the funds was used to pay for his son’s education and accommodation in the United Kingdom.

The government has not commented on this claim.

Earlier, the National Security Committee (KNB) released footage of Ablaliyev’s detention.

Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev was asked about the corruption case involving the former vice minister during a briefing on August 7.

He stated that no conclusions should be drawn about Ablaliyev’s guilt before a court decision is made.

Once a court decision enters into force, if a person — subordinate to any state agency or body — is convicted under a corruption article, then the head of that institution must resign. But there’s no need to jump ahead or assign guilt prematurely,
 Bozumbayev told reporters.

He emphasized that Ablaliyev remains a suspect until a verdict is issued:

Bozumbayev also outlined the appointment procedure for vice ministers in Kazakhstan:

Any vice minister is appointed based on a recommendation from the relevant minister. The candidate goes through a background check under the law—reviewed by the KNB and Anticorruption Agency jointly (both agencies have since been merged - Ed.). Then the candidacy is approved by the Presidential Administration and other internal government offices, following established procedures. The final appointment is issued by government decree.

Ablaliyev is suspected of accepting a $78,000 bribe in exchange for patronage of road construction companies. The case is being investigated by the KNB Anti-Corruption Service.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov, Second Author