No Investigation Into Former Defense Minister Zhaqsylyqov, KNB Confirms

The National Security Committee (KNB) is not investigating former Defense Minister Ruslan Zhaqsylyqov, Orda.kz reports, citing an official response to our media inquiry.

Speculation around Zhaqsylyqov's alleged detention began circulating on June 14, when several media outlets, citing unnamed sources, reported he had been taken into custody. Zhaqsylyqov had been dismissed by presidential decree on June 8.

Shortly after,  journalists contacted Zhaqsylyqov via a video call; he told them that he was having lunch at home.

Sources told Orda.kz that the situation may have stemmed from investigative actions currently underway at the Ministry of Defense. These developments — along with Zhaqsylyqov’s resignation — come amid a sharp rise in military spending and the rearmament of Kazakhstan’s armed forces.

Original Author: Dinara Bekbolayeva