Oil Smuggling Trial Begins in Aqtau Over Seized Tanker

A high-profile trial is underway in Aqtau over a case that remained out of public view for nearly two years, reports Orda.kz.

Five individuals representing private companies involved in oil extraction and transportation are now on trial, accused of smuggling oil and participating in an organized criminal group.

The case centers on the detention of the Meliana tanker, owned by BatysNefteTrade LLP. In 2023, the vessel was stopped as it attempted to leave the port of Aqtau en route to Azerbaijan.

Investigators allege the cargo was illicitly exported petroleum products. The operation was conducted by security services, but the results of the National Security Committee’s investigation were kept from the public's eye until recently.

The case reached court in June 2025. The accused are:

• Renald Melkumov, founder of BatysNefteTrade
  
• Raphat Kistaubayev, director of Standart Petroleum
  
• Ramiz Ramazanov, director of Mangystau Oil Refining
  
• Alexey Raygorodsky, refining engineer
  
• Mergen Kenzhebekov, lab technician

All five are charged with participation in a criminal organization and economic smuggling. They deny the charges. Their defense argues that the vessel carried only fuel oil, not crude oil, and thus did not violate export restrictions.

At today’s hearing — attended by an Orda.kz correspondent — a representative from the Mangystau Regional Department of State Revenues testified as a victim in the case.

He claimed the accused caused more than 320 million tenge in damages to the state. The department is seeking compensation from the individuals or from BatysNefteTrade.

However, when questioned on how that damage figure was calculated, the representative was unable to provide a clear explanation. The judge had also planned to question witnesses, but none appeared in court.

The hearing was postponed.

This is not the only recent controversy involving oil and the Aqtau port. In April, the National Security Committee arrested the president of the Aqtau International Sea Port, Abay Turikpenbayev.

He remains in custody as the investigation continues.

Aqtau port is considered a strategic hub — often called Kazakhstan’s "western gateway." Each year, millions of tons of oil, grain, metals, and other exports pass through it. That strategic importance makes any attempt to move illegal cargo through the port a priority target for law enforcement.

Orda.kz continues to follow developments in the case.

Orignal Author: Dinara Bekbolayeva