Political Scientist Comments on Kulibayev's Reported Deal

Political scientist Gaziz Abishev has commented on reports that Timur Kulibayev is negotiating a deal with Kazakh authorities regarding asset returns, reports Orda.kz.

The expert said, according to Bloomberg, Timur Kulibayev, one of Kazakhstan's wealthiest entrepreneurs, is  negotiating with the government about paying a billion dollars "in money and investments."

Bloomberg sources believe authorities will thereby drop claims against the businessman, Nursultan Nazarbayev's son-in-law.

Essentially, this is about legalizing earned capital as a civilized alternative to unpleasant confrontations involving law enforcement and international authorities. President Toqayev spoke about something similar in September 2023: return something, invest something - and no problems,  Gaziz Abishev emphasized.

Orda.kz has learned that part of Kulibayev's deal with the state may include significant investments in economically critical industrial enterprises.

This involves the "Aqtobe Oil Equipment Plant" and an oil service company with billion-dollar profits. According to our source, these deals haven't been finalized but are under discussion.

Possibly, Kulibayev's lawyers are conducting meticulous deal discussions: assets, money, investments - according to the list within agreed timeframes, and in exchange, a serious document with appropriate permits and signatures that completely removes further claims. One that could be presented in foreign jurisdictions if needed - showing that the businessman and state have no issues with each other. Overall, not a bad option. To some extent, it relieves tension, allowing Kulibayev to calmly develop business projects in a competitive environment, Gaziz Abishev said.

The political scientist indicates that such a deal would also benefit Kazakhstan's authorities, saving the state time and effort in proceedings.

Meanwhile, Kulibayev's example might motivate other major businessmen who face claims from the asset recovery committee.

Incidentally, Kulibayev was present today at the President's meeting with Kazakhstsan's businessmen, where tax reform was among the topics discussed. In fact, a deal involving money transfer, including investments too - this is largely a Western, you might say Anglo-Saxon approach. You can always sit at the table, discuss necessary conditions, zero out mutual claims and move forward. A deal is a deal. Over the past thousand years, many conflicts were resolved exactly this way - gentlemen signed agreements, shook hands and went about their business, the political scientist concluded.

Original Author: Nikita Drobny