Ulytau Region Judge Detained in Bribery Probe, KNB Confirms

The National Security Committee (KNB) has confirmed the detention of Kanat Shaikamalov, chair of the regional judicial board for criminal cases in Ulytau, Orda.kz reports.

In response to an official inquiry, the KNB stated:

With this comment, the KNB effectively acknowledged that a criminal case has been opened against the high-ranking judge.

Earlier, media outlets reported Shaikamalov’s detention, citing anonymous sources. According to preliminary information, the judge allegedly received 15 million tenge in the city of Jezkazgan via an intermediary lawyer.

A portion of the money was reportedly seized during the operation.

The arrest was carried out by the KNB Anti-Corruption Service in cooperation with the Internal Security Service of the Supreme Court. Since the Anti-Corruption Agency now falls under the KNB, the pre-trial investigation is being conducted by this structure.

Kanat Shaikamalov was appointed chairman of the judicial board on December 5, 2022. Born in 1968 in Qaraganda, he began his working life as a bricklayer and auto mechanic, later joining the prosecutor’s office. From there, he moved into the judiciary and steadily built his career.

Original Author: Dinara Bekbolayeva