Shymkent Theater Officials Accused of Embezzling Over 136 Million Tenge

The director of the state-owned Shymkent Youth Theater and several other officials are under investigation for large-scale budget embezzlement, Orda.kz reports.

Authorities allege that the group misappropriated more than 136 million tenge through a corruption scheme.

According to the Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA), the theater received 320 million tenge from the state budget to purchase concert equipment, including speakers, stage structures, amplifiers, and microphones.

Rather than conducting an open tender, the procurement was carried out through an online marketplace by splitting the purchases into more than 20 smaller lots.

Contracts were signed via the platform with shell companies that did not actually supply the equipment. The funds were then withdrawn,
 the agency said.

The money was allegedly withdrawn from the accounts of these fictitious firms. Investigators claim one of the suspects used part of the funds — 48 million tenge — to purchase an apartment and a car, registering them under other individuals.

The suspects’ assets have been frozen, and they have been placed in pretrial detention. A court hearing is expected soon.
 
Original Author: Dinara Bekbolayeva