Preliminary Hearings Begin in Case Against Perizat Kairat

Preliminary hearings have started in Astana in the high-profile case involving Perizat Kairat, head of the public association Biz Birgemiz Qazaqstan 2030, who is accused of embezzling 3.5 billion tenge in charitable donations, Orda.kz reports.

Kairat’s mother, Gaini Alashbayeva, is also a defendant in the case. She is suspected of aiding in fraud and money laundering.

Despite inquiries from journalists and multiple calls to the city court’s press service, information about the hearing’s timing and location was not shared. When contacted, the court's press office simply stated:

Media crews from several television channels, including Khabar 24, were present at the hearing. It remains unclear how they obtained access.

The Administration of the Courts of the Republic of Kazakhstan stated that there was no selective notification of media representatives. 

During the session, defense lawyers submitted several motions, including a request to hold the trial behind closed doors. Both Perizat Kairat and Gaini Alashbayeva argued that the case materials include sensitive financial details, such as account numbers and deposit records, which they said should remain confidential.

The court retired to consider the request, later returning to partially satisfy it, according to Vlast.kz.

Judge Sabyrzhan Karimov clarified that the restriction applies only to the questioning of the defendants, as it may involve confidential information and banking secrecy. All other court sessions will remain open to the public.

Kairat, who positioned herself as a philanthropist through her organization, was detained in autumn 2024.

The Anti-Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) previously stated that the public association collected donations to assist children affected by regional flooding and to support residents of Palestine. However, investigators claim the funds were instead transferred to personal accounts belonging to Kairat or her mother.

On December 13, 2024, authorities seized property linked to Kairat, including high-value real estate, luxury vehicles, and branded items.

She and her mother were taken into custody in April 2025. The case was sent to court on June 30.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya