Verdict Handed Down in Zangar Khasenov Assassination Attempt Case

The trial concerning the attempted homicide of known criminal figure Zangar Khasenov has concluded in Qaraganda, Orda.kz reports, citing Patriot.

At one point, Khasenov served as an assistant to former Ecology Minister Zulfiya Suleimenova.

The attack on Khasenov took place in August 2022 in Qaraganda. As he was leaving a clinic parking lot, his BMW X6 came under fire. In an attempt to escape, Khasenov drove into oncoming traffic and later pursued the assailants.

The DKNB and the police jointly conducted the investigation. Several individuals were apprehended during a special operation.

Authorities believe the conflict stemmed from a dispute over stolen fuel from Kazakhmys Corporation facilities in Kentobe. Notably, Khasenov himself was later arrested in a separate case involving the formation of an organized crime group and large-scale theft.

The defendants in the attempted homicide case rejected the charges, declaring falsifications and violence on the part of the investigation, and demanded that the case be reclassified as hooliganism. The lawyers provided a response from Kazakhmys, according to which no thefts of fuel and lubricants were recorded during the specified period.  

Nevertheless, the court found all eight defendants guilty.

Judge Galina Zhilina sentenced Arman Kukumbayev to 21 years in prison, citing repeat offense status.

The remaining defendants received sentences ranging from four to 18.5 years, depending on their level of involvement. Charges included participation in an organized crime group, illegal arms possession, attempted homicide, and obstruction of an investigation.

The court also issued a private ruling against the local police department for the unjustified prosecution of three individuals under one of the charges.

Previously, Orda.kz reported that Zangar Khasenov was convicted of creating a criminal organization at Qarmet (formerly ArcelorMittal Temirtau) and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Since 2016, his group had been engaged in theft, extortion, and violence at company facilities.

Proven charges included theft of non-ferrous metals, unlawful possession of weapons, and attacks on government personnel.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov