High-Profile Corruption Trial Nears Conclusion in Shymkent

In Shymkent, one of the city’s most high-profile trials in recent years is approaching its conclusion. Former First Deputy Head of the National Security Committee (KNB) Department for Shymkent, Manat Sarbasov, stands at the center of the criminal case. 

Alongside him in the dock are a fellow KNB officer, officials from the city’s Health Department, and a businessman — all accused of embezzlement during the procurement of medical equipment and masks at the height of the pandemic,  Orda.kz reports.

Manat Sarbasov

Prosecutors claim that Sarbasov received 115 million tenge from entrepreneur Elmira Duissenkyzy for “patronage” over the Riana college and private school. Investigators say he laundered the money through apartment transactions. The prosecution has requested a 12-year prison sentence.

Sarbasov called the case “a provocation and an order,” reminding the court that key recordings were deemed inadmissible and that the testimony of the complainant was “contradictory and repeatedly changed.”

Aidos Srailov

Sarbasov’s colleague at the KNB is charged with “Abuse of Power” and “Illegal Entrepreneurial Activity.” Investigators allege that he conducted business while still serving as an active officer — a violation of the law.

The prosecutor admitted that the evidence related to money laundering episodes was insufficient and proposed that Srailov be released from punishment under amnesty. Srailov fully denies any wrongdoing.

Temirkhan Varzilov

The former head of the Shymkent Health Department is accused of embezzling about 137 million tenge during the purchase of equipment and masks amid the pandemic. Prosecutors requested an eight-year prison term.

Varzilov insists that the contracts were signed by his predecessor and that he merely oversaw deliveries. His defense maintains that, at most, the case amounts to “negligence.”

Chingis Dzanabayev

According to investigators, Dzanabayev participated in preparing falsified procurement documents. The prosecution has also requested an eight-year sentence.

Dzanabayev claims some documents were signed without his involvement while he was on vacation.

A handwriting examination was never conducted, and, as his defense emphasizes, the alleged damages were “calculated on a calculator” without audits.

Yerlan Tyshkanbayev

The businessman is accused of aiding embezzlement by allegedly inflating prices for medical equipment and masks and sharing profits with officials. Prosecutors have asked for a seven-year prison sentence.

Tyshkanbayev maintains that “all obligations were fulfilled, the equipment was put into operation, and masks were purchased at the government-approved price.” His defense calls the charges “fabricated.”

Original Author: Aleksandra Kim