What’s Known About The Ex-Prosecutor General Kairat Kozhamzharov Under Investigation

The Prosecutor General’s Office of Kazakhstan has officially confirmed what has long been the subject of speculation in political circles: a pre-trial investigation has been launched against former financial police head and ex-Prosecutor General Kairat Kozhamzharov, reports Orda.kz.

He is suspected of exceeding his authority and laundering criminal proceeds.

For many observers, the news is both shocking and expected. For decades, Kozhamzharov’s name was surrounded by myths, intrigue, and accusations — but never by legal consequences.

Telegram channels even dubbed him “untouchable.”

Rise to Power

Born in 1965 in Dzhambul, Kozhamzharov graduated from the law department of Leningrad University and rose quickly through the ranks: prosecutor’s office, customs, financial police, akim, head of the anti-corruption agency, prosecutor general.

He often emphasized results: under his leadership, thousands of corrupt officials were convicted, including two ex-prime ministers and dozens of akims. But critics argued that anti-corruption tools were also used as levers of political pressure.

The Khorgos Case

His most high-profile case was the investigation into large-scale smuggling at Khorgos. Dozens of high-ranking defendants received prison terms, which some hailed as a victory for the law. Others saw it as an example of brutality.

Later verdicts revealed evidence of torture: confessions extracted under duress, suspects interrogated with plastic bags over their heads, and threats to their families.

Court documents describe how unidentified officers beat and strangled suspects for hours until they confessed.

It was during this period that Kozhamzharov cemented his reputation as a “general” who was allowed to do anything.

Controversies

Several cases linked to his tenure later unraveled:

• Larisa Pak, a Health Ministry official, died after pressure from anti-corruption investigators
  
• Journalists Seitkazy and Aset Matayev were recognized as victims of political persecution after embezzlement charges
  
• Anatoly Shkarupa, Vice Minister of Energy, was acquitted and compensated after a high-profile arrest

Kozhamzharov remained untouched.

The Shield of Compromising Evidence

Analysts long suggested that his immunity came from connections formed during his student years in Leningrad and alleged compromising material he held on political elites.

After leaving public service, Kozhamzharov launched a law firm, published a book, and insisted he wanted a quiet life.

But the shadow of his past has not faded.

A New Phase

In 2025, his former allies began to face charges. Talgat Tatubayev, considered his protégé, was arrested in a torture case, and ex-special prosecutor Olesya Keksel became a suspect.

Now, investigators are focusing directly on Kozhamzharov, using testimony from his former team to reach higher.

Key questions remain: Will Kozhamzharov face trial? Will his subordinates testify against him? Could this investigation mark the collapse of an era when the anti-corruption fight was wielded as a weapon?

What is certain is that the “untouchable general” is untouchable no longer.

Possible Sentence

Under Kazakh law:

• Exceeding authority carries up to five years in prison
  
• Money laundering carries up to six years and mandatory confiscation of property
  
• In total, Kozhamzharov could face up to 11 years behind bars if convicted under both articles

Original Author: Dinara Bekbolayeva