Kazakhstan's KNB confirms pre-trial probe into Aktau police chief

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Kazakhstan's National Security Committee (KNB) confirmed a pre-trial investigation into Suyun Kurmantayev, head of the administrative police department in Aktau. The KNB cited Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code in declining to disclose further details. The confirmation follows social media reports that Kurmantayev allegedly promised to help an acquaintance obtain a driver's license for 520,000 tenge.
Key Facts
- The KNB confirmed a pre-trial investigation into Suyun Kurmantayev, head of the administrative police department in Aktau.
- The KNB declined to disclose further information, citing Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
- Social media reports alleged that Kurmantayev promised to help an acquaintance obtain a driver's license for 520,000 tenge.
- In July–August 2026, the KNB's anti-corruption service registered 201 corruption offenses, with 140 suspects identified.
Official Confirmation
The National Security Committee of Kazakhstan confirmed that a pre-trial investigation is underway against Suyun Kurmantayev, head of the administrative police department in Aktau. The confirmation came in response to an official inquiry from Kazinform, which sought to verify social media reports about the case. The KNB stated that, in accordance with Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code, no further information could be disclosed.
Allegations and Investigation
Social media posts claimed that Kurmantayev, a police lieutenant colonel, promised to help an acquaintance obtain a driver's license for 520,000 tenge. Kazinform sent a request to the KNB asking whether the investigation was indeed underway, whether the 520,000 tenge figure was accurate, and whether Kurmantayev had been detained. The KNB's response confirmed only the existence of the pre-trial investigation, without addressing the specific allegations.
Anti-Corruption Statistics
The KNB previously reported that its anti-corruption service registered 201 corruption offenses in July–August 2026. During that period, 140 individuals were identified as suspects in criminal cases. Investigations were completed in 126 criminal cases, of which 110 were sent to court. The total established damage amounted to 3.7 billion tenge.