Theft, Extortion, and Assault: 24 Members of Crime Group Convicted in Qarmet Case

The Specialized Interdistrict Criminal Court in Astana has sentenced 24 members of an organized crime group (OCG) involved in criminal activities at the Qarmet enterprise, formerly known as ArcelorMittal Temirtau, Orda.kz reports.

The case includes 16 counts, covering thefts of galvanized sheets, aluminum, bronze waste, railroad tracks, and the storage of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

The theft of bronze from the ArcelorMittal Temirtau enterprise was considered on November 25, 2024. 

According to the investigation, Zangar Khasenov and Aidos Tolen led the OCG. They allegedly operated at the enterprise since 2016, leveraging their positions in security companies. The group was implicated in theft, extortion, and organizing attacks.

The leaders held senior positions at Qasqyr Security LLP, the private security firm responsible for guarding Qarmet facilities.

The other 22 members faced charges for:

• Creating, leading, or participating in an organized crime group
• Group extortion involving prior conspiracy
• Theft and attempted theft on a large scale, including illegal entry into premises
• Abuse of authority as private security employees
• Assault causing harm to government representatives

In addition, investigators established that Khasenov and Tolen engaged in extortion. The latter, for example, was accused of extortion by prior conspiracy with other group members. 

In one incident in 2016, Khasenov and another member, Zhumabekov, misused their security positions and resorted to violence. Zhumabekov wounded a government representative, while Khasenov caused serious injuries to another person.

The court found Khasenov and Tolen guilty of creating an organized crime group, large-scale theft, and related offenses.

Both were sentenced to 12 years in prison and banned from working in private security for five years.

The other defendants received prison terms ranging from two to ten years, depending on the severity of their crimes. Some received suspended sentences or restrictions on freedom, considering mitigating factors such as cooperation with the investigation or age.

The court acknowledged Qarmet JSC's right to seek compensation for damages, the exact amount of which will be determined in civil proceedings.

The verdict has not yet entered into legal force. At their request, the claims of 38 victims were left unconsidered.

Original Author: Olga Ibraeva