Almaty prosecutor says ex-Orda.kz chief Bazhkenova's guilt proven in 84.2m tenge case

August 14, 2026 at 04:10 PM2 min

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A prosecutor in an Almaty court says former Orda.kz editor-in-chief Gulnar Bazhkenova's guilt is fully proven on three counts, including embezzlement of 84.2 million tenge from Orda Media KZ. The state alleges she failed to pay 12.12 million tenge in individual income tax and used 4.64 million tenge of company funds for her son's tuition at Haileybury Almaty. The defense says cash transfers were for staff salaries but has presented no payroll documents.

Prosecution Case

The prosecutor told the court that evidence from victims, witnesses, bank and accounting records, tax inspection materials, and expert findings formed a single, consistent picture. The defense presented no objective evidence to rebut these materials, according to the state. The case spans three episodes: unregistered property trading, embezzlement from Orda Media KZ, and dissemination of knowingly false information. The unpaid individual income tax from apartment resales is estimated at 12.12 million tenge.

Embezzlement Allegations

Prosecutors say Gulnar Bazhkenova used her management authority at Orda Media KZ to transfer 84.2 million tenge to an individual entrepreneur who was a staff member. The staff member confirmed in court that transactions were carried out at Bazhkenova's request. The defense argued cash was for staff salaries and cited a 'double bookkeeping' system, but no payroll records, cash vouchers, or receipts were submitted. Prosecutors also cited 4.64 million tenge paid directly from the company account to Haileybury Almaty for her son's tuition; Bazhkenova said she borrowed the money, but no loan agreement or company decision exists and funds were not returned.

False Information Charge

Prosecutors alleged that Bazhkenova's Orda.kz published false information harming the honor, dignity, and business reputation of citizens and organizations. Victims refuted the published material in court, and the defense did not provide objective proof of accuracy, according to the state. The prosecutor said the editorial team did not seek comment or verification from victims before publication. One cited episode involves N. Auganbayev, former deputy prosecutor of Almaty, in 2024.