Transport Official Receives New Position in Regional Government Amid Reported Controversies

Ali Altay has stepped down as Chair of the Committee for Road Transport and Transport Control following public allegations of corruption and lobbying, Orda.kz reports.

His resignation came two months after Yerbol Kulymbet, head of the Jambyl Region Transport Control Department, was dismissed. A subordinate of the official claimed that Kulymbet’s swift career rise — from an ordinary employee to a department head in just a year and a half — was due to his close ties with Ali Altay.

The Ministry of Transport later confirmed that Yerbol Kulymbet’s mother and Ali Altay’s father are siblings. However, the Ministry insisted there was no conflict of interest, since cousins are not covered by anti-corruption legislation.

Meanwhile, Nursultan Bulatbekov, a chief specialist at the Jambyl Region Transport Inspectorate, sent a letter to the president accusing his superiors of extortion, protection rackets, and abuse of authority.

Ali Altay has nevertheless secured a new position. He has been appointed Deputy Akim of the Jambyl Region, responsible for construction and housing, and utilities.

Technically, the move is considered a demotion — from a national-level position in the ministry’s central office to a regional role with significantly less authority and influence.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov