Kazakhstan probes 131 million tenge hospital sponsorship fraud in Zhanaozen

September 11, 2026 at 09:11 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakhstan's Financial Monitoring Agency is investigating the embezzlement of 131 million tenge from sponsorship funds allocated for a burn unit at Zhanaozen city hospital. Three suspects, including a former deputy akim, have been arrested. The case involves a contract for two burn beds priced at 210 million tenge, while only 92 million tenge was spent on equipment.

Key Facts

The Financial Monitoring Agency allocated 223 million tenge for the burn unit project in 2025.
A three-party contract was signed for two burn beds at 210 million tenge, bypassing the Single Distributor requirement.
Investigators found only 92 million tenge was spent on equipment, with the remaining 131 million tenge allegedly cashed out through affiliated companies.
Three suspects are in custody, and property including three apartments, two houses, and a car has been seized.
The former deputy akim of Zhanaozen is under investigation under Article 361 of the Criminal Code for abuse of office.

Sponsorship Scheme

In 2025, the Mangystau Region Health Department asked KazMunayGas to sponsor a burn unit at Zhanaozen Multidisciplinary City Hospital. OzenMunayGas transferred 223 million tenge to the Zharylqau public foundation for the project. The original plan included purchasing eight types of medical equipment and training specialists. Later, the foundation, the hospital, and AKBS Invest LLP signed a three-party contract for only two burn beds at 210 million tenge. The purchase bypassed the legal requirement to buy such equipment through the Single Distributor.

Investigation and Arrests

The Financial Monitoring Agency's Mangystau Department is investigating the case. Investigators found that only 92 million tenge was spent on equipment, while the remaining 131 million tenge was allegedly cashed out through affiliated companies and distributed among participants. The supplier's representative allegedly bought an apartment in Astana with the proceeds, registering it under third parties. Three suspects are in custody, and property including three apartments, two houses, and a car has been seized. The former deputy akim of Zhanaozen is under investigation under Article 361 of the Criminal Code for abuse of office.