President of Aqtau Seaport Abay Turikpenbayev Suspected of Abuse of Authority

President of Aqtau Seaport Abay Turikpenbayev Suspected of Abuse of Office, Orda.kz Reports

The National Security Committee confirmed the information in response to an inquiry from Orda.kz.

News of Turikpenbayev’s detention surfaced last week. The criminal case against the head of JSC NC Aqtau International Sea Trade Port may be linked to oil smuggling.

In January, Orda.kz reported on the Meliana oil tanker, which was allegedly used to illegally export oil from Kazakhstan. In July 2023, the National Security Committee conducted a special operation: special forces boarded a tanker suspected of transporting contraband oil, using a helicopter and boats.

Details about the alleged abuse by Abay Turikpenbayev have not been disclosed. The National Security Committee declined to comment further, and more information is expected to emerge during the trial, if it is not held behind closed doors.

Turikpenbayev has led Kazakhstan’s largest seaport since 2017. Aqtau port, often referred to as the country's western gateway, handles over 3.5 million tons of oil annually, along with grain, non-ferrous metals, and other exports.

Original Author: Dinara Bekbolayeva