Uzbek professor arrested in Astana on espionage suspicion
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Uzbek citizen Ikboljon Karabaev, 46, was arrested in Astana on July 3 on suspicion of espionage. He taught international relations at Maqsut Narikbayev University and lived in Astana with his wife and three minor children. Relatives say he is charged under Article 176 of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code, which carries 10 to 15 years in prison.
Key Facts
- Ikboljon Karabaev, 46, was detained at his Astana home on July 3 by men in civilian clothes.
- Karabaev taught international relations at Maqsut Narikbayev University in Astana.
- Relatives say he is charged under Article 176 of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code, which covers espionage and carries 10 to 15 years in prison.
- Karabaev completed an unpublished study in April 2025 on Kazakhstan's and Uzbekistan's legal, political, and strategic positions on critical minerals.
- Kazakhstan's National Security Committee, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Uzbekistan's embassy have not commented on the case.
Detention and Charges
Karabaev was detained at his Astana home on July 3 by several men in civilian clothes who told him he was suspected of espionage. He lived in Astana with his wife and three minor children. Relatives say a criminal case has been opened under Article 176 of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code, which covers espionage and carries 10 to 15 years in prison. Kazakhstan's National Security Committee and Ministry of Internal Affairs have not provided official comments on the case.
Academic Work and Possible Motive
Karabaev taught international relations at Maqsut Narikbayev University in Astana. In April 2025, he completed a study on Kazakhstan's and Uzbekistan's legal, political, and strategic positions on critical minerals, but it has not been published. In October 2024, he presented research on rising international interest in Central Asia's rare earth elements, including China's influence on the regional market. Colleagues say specialists in this field regularly interact with diplomats and experts, which may attract the attention of intelligence services.
Family and Legal Access
Karabaev's family says the state-appointed lawyer visited him only once, and the private lawyer they hired has not been allowed to see him. Relatives say access requires permission from Kazakhstan's National Security Committee, which has not been granted. The family has appealed to the National Security Committee, the Prosecutor General's Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and human rights organizations, but has received no official response.
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Uzbek professor arrested in Astana on espionage suspicion
