Self-Proclaimed Healer in Aqtobe Accused of Defrauding 136 People of 579 Million Tenge

In Aqtobe, 51-year-old “folk healer” Sulushash Kazbayeva is standing trial on fraud charges, Orda.kz reports.

According to the indictment, Kazbayeva allegedly convinced 136 people to take out loans totaling nearly 579 million tenge. Most of the victims were pensioners, single mothers, and parents of children with disabilities.

Investigators say she told different stories to justify the money: that she planned to build a mosque in memory of her twin brother, needed treatment for her daughter in Türkiye, or wanted to open a clinic or restaurant. She promised to repay everyone and swore on the Quran.

None of the victims saw the money.

She knew the state I brought the child in. She said, 'I'll get him back on his feet, I swear by the Quran.' So I took out a loan for 24 million. Now my husband is paying off the debt, but the money isn't even enough for food,one woman told the court.

Prosecutors are asking for six years and eight months in prison, arguing that Kazbayeva deliberately preyed on vulnerable people by using her reputation as an “honored healer” and “master of oriental medicine.”

Kazbayeva denies wrongdoing and claims the loans were taken voluntarily.

Original Author: Ardak Erubayeva