The heads of the “Samruk-Kazyna” State Fund and the KTZ railway company were detained in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, Nurlan Zhakupov, chairman of the board of the “Samruk-Kazyna” fund, and Elzhas Otynshiev, head of the national railway company “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy” (KTZ), have been detained. They are suspected of corruption.

Kazakhstani media reported this on November 12, citing the National Security Committee (NSC) of Kazakhstan.

According to the agency, the detentions were carried out by the KNB’s Anti-Corruption Service on November 11. Other individuals were also detained along with the heads of the two major companies. Investigators are currently establishing the circumstances of the case.

According to the Kazakhstani publication Ulysmedia, Zhakupova and Otynshieva have been placed in a temporary detention facility. The publication reports that they are suspected of attempting to accept a bribe. The charges relate to Part 3 of Article 24 and Part 4 of Article 366 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan. 

Footage from Astana that went viral on social media drew increased attention to the case. Near the Atlant-6 residential complex on Kunaev Street, eight suitcases were discovered, along with banknotes resembling U.S. dollars scattered across the sidewalk. Police arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area.

The Kazakhstani publication Qumash reported that its editorial staff received information about the discovered suitcases from its own sources. The authenticity of the bills and the circumstances surrounding their discovery have yet to be determined. 

However, there is currently no official information indicating that the money found is connected to the detention of the heads of “Samruk-Kazyna” and KTZ.

The National Security Committee (KNB) stated that details of the investigation are not being disclosed in accordance with Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Kazakhstan.