New Deputy Commander of National Guard Appointed

Colonel Abzal Zhumatayev has been appointed as the National Guard's deputy commander-in-chief for equipment and weapons, Orda reports. 

The Minister of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan signed off on the appointment order and personally introduced Zhumatayev to the military council, praising his extensive experience and professional expertise.

Zhumatayev's law enforcement career spans over 25 years, beginning in 1997.

He has steadily climbed the ranks from junior officer to senior leadership positions.

The appointment comes in the wake of a corruption scandal involving his predecessor, Major General Konstantin Voronkin.

Last fall, Kazakhstan's National Security Committee (KNB) arrested Voronkin on bribery charges. He allegedly accepted a bribe in 2023 from the Vasilyev brothers, founders of Parallel-TS company. 

Investigators noted that the brothers' company, which worked with various government agencies, had seen a dramatic increase in revenue in recent years.

The situation became more complex when a related scandal erupted within the Aq Zhol political party.

Party members traded accusations of corruption and bid-rigging, with former Majilis deputy Askar Sadykov alleging that the Vasilyev brothers paid bribes to secure government contracts.

The party countered by accusing Sadykov of attempting to manipulate tender processes.

Original Author: Artem Volkov