Teenager Killed in Talgar: Interview with Khasan Kasymbayev, Rumored to Be Khutor Gang Leader

After 16-year-old Sherzat Polat's death, society began talking about Kazakhstan returning to the 90s. 

Talgar Residents associate the crime with the so-called "Khutor" gang, which is rumored to be led by brothers Hasan, Aslan, and Yerzhan. The investigation is ongoing, and the police say the group does not exist. Today, at a briefing in Qonayev, the police also stated there is no organized crime group registration in Kazakhstan and that Hasan Kasymbayev is not connected to the case.

An Orda.kz correspondent found Hasan Kasymbayev, who is called not only the leader of the gang but also a person with extensive connections in the security forces and government.

Kasymbayev's residence, with a well-kept yard and a vast territory, is in Talgar. It is immediately apparent that a wealthy person lives here. Hasan was initially apprehensive. He is not used to communicating with the press, but he still agreed to speak with Orda.

Many have heard of famous criminal authorities such as Ataba, Bakha Festival, Krasny Almaz, and Wild Arman. Recently, there have been rumors about the Khutor organized crime group, which controls the Talgar district. You are called its leader. Is this true?

— These rumors are defamation; social media users assigned this label. The name is related to the fact that the village of Turara Ryskulova was previously called Khutor. I left there in 2015 and I do not understand why I am called the leader of an organized crime group. I have never broken the law.

Who do you think benefits from spreading such rumors?

- I don't know who is behind this. I have never harmed people or taken away anyone's business.

Tell us about yourself.

— My name is  Hasan Nurgayypuly Kasymbayev. I am Kazakh, I am of the Ulu Juz, the Alban clan. I was born in 1984 in the village of Karkara, Raimbek district, Almaty region. In 1998, after my father was transferred to a new job, we moved to the village of Turara Ryskulov, Talgar district, where I graduated from school. Then, I entered the chemistry department of KazSU, and after graduating from the university, I worked in the Qyzylorda region. In 2011, I returned to Talgar and started a business.

What are you doing today?

— I own a plant for the production of concrete structures and sell cement.

They write on social networks that you have relatives in high positions who can hush up any cases related to you. Is this true?

— That's not true. Yes, my brother Aslan Kasymbayev works as the head of the staff of the Akim of Talgar district, but no one from my family has any connection with law enforcement agencies. My relatives do not work in the police or the prosecutor's office.

Your younger brother Yerzhan was convicted. For what?

— He was; in 2017, Yerzhan was sentenced to 14 years. He is currently serving his sentence in prison ( Yerzhan Kasymbayev was convicted of the contract killing of customs officer Medet Zhamashev — Ed).

How would you comment on the photos of your brother from prison that appeared on social media?

- This is a very painful topic for our family. We are worried about Yerzhan, and discussing it is hard for me. Please do not talk about this topic anymore.

Did you know Sherzat Polat or his family?

- This is a tragedy, and I express my condolences to his parents. It is terrible when parents lay their child to rest. You wouldn’t wish this on your worst enemy… I didn’t know Sherzat or his parents. I also don’t know the suspects, as I left the village back in 2015.

Have you ever been taken to the police? Have they taken your fingerprints?

— No, never. I have never had any problems with law enforcement.

How do you explain the photos of you with guns and famous people that are circulating online?

— These photos were taken many years ago. I was just taking pictures with famous athletes and stars. And the photos with weapons were taken during a hunt. The weapons belonged to my friends.

They say you are also linked to the country's former prosecutor, Zhakyp Asanov. Is this true?

— I don’t know him and am not related to him. I want to convey the truth to society and hold those who spread false information about me and my family accountable.

Full interview in Kazakh:

On the night of October 4, 16-year-old Sherzat Polat was killed near the Kamazhay store in Talgar. Residents later demanded an open trial and punishment for all those responsible.

On the night of October 12, in the village of Azat in the Enbekshikazakh district, his family's house burned down. Prosecutors would later state that the family's home caught fire from the outside.

After Sherzat's death, rumors emerged that the suspects were members of a criminal group - "Khutor" in Talgar. Its members allegedly had connections in law enforcement agencies. However, the Almaty Region Police Department said this information was untrue.

On October 14, residents of the village of Ryskulovo, called "Khutor", responded to rumors of "banditry."

On October 15, Sherzat's father posted a video saying he would leave Kazakhstan. He did so after videos of the conflict before Sherzat's death were leaked to the media. The police have opened a criminal case.

Original Author: Sandugash Duysenova

The original article was posted on 14/10/24. This is a translated version. It has been updated to reflect the current situation as of 15/10/24. For accuracy, please refer to the original article and posts via the links.