Police Arrest Two in Extortion Case Involving Local Sports Complex and Blogger

Employees of the Department for Combating Extremism of the Jambyl Region Police Department detained two men in an extortion case. According to investigators, they demanded 2.5 million tenge from the director of a local sports complex. An Orda.kz correspondent learned the case details involving a well-known local blogger.

Authorities apprehended the suspects during the money handover. Both individuals have admitted guilt and agreed to cooperate with investigators.

Orda.kz has identified the detained men as Zhanat Kenesariyev and Nurbolat Akhmetzhanov.

Kenesariyev currently works at the sports complex, while Akhmetzhanov is a former employee with connections to blogger Abay Zhundibayev. An investigation revealed that Akhmetzhanov had transferred funds to Zhundibayev.

Initial findings suggest Akhmetzhanov harbored resentment toward his former employer and paid the blogger to publish harmful content about the sports facility. Kenesariyev reportedly served as the go-between in the scheme.

The blogger posted compromising material on Facebook and demanded payment for its removal.

A pre-trial investigation has been launched into the fact of extortion by a group of individuals by prior conspiracy. The suspect has been sent to a temporary detention facility. The police are conducting the necessary investigative and operational measures. We are not disclosing any other information in the interests of the investigation, reported by the Jambyl Region Police Department.

Authorities detained blogger Abay Zhundibayev in Taraz on March 8. He is affiliated with the public association "Bolashak Plus KZ" and previously participated in activities of Zhanbolat Mamay's unregistered political party.

Zhundibayev has a controversial history in Taraz, including a notable dispute with Beibit Nigmatullaev, the Akim of Besagash rural district.

The official filed legal action against Zhundibayev for defamation and insult. In February 2020, the court convicted the blogger of defamation, resulting in a one-year suspended sentence, though he was acquitted of insult charges.

Original Author: Islambek Dastan