Satbayev University vice-rector Yerzhan Kuldeyev detained in Almaty on bribery suspicion

September 24, 2026 at 09:04 AM2 min

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

Yerzhan Kuldeyev, vice-rector for corporate governance and strategic planning at Satbayev University, was detained in Almaty on suspicion of bribery. He was formally designated a suspect on September 7, and the case is being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Service of the National Security Committee. Kuldeyev received the Kurmet order in April 2026 for achievements in science and higher education.

Key Facts

Yerzhan Kuldeyev was designated a suspect in a criminal case on September 7.
His actions have been preliminarily classified as giving a bribe.
The investigation is being conducted by the Anti-Corruption Service of the National Security Committee.
Kuldeyev was awarded the Kurmet order in April 2026 for achievements in science and contribution to higher education.
Kuldeyev is a laureate of the Al-Farabi State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan in science and technology and a candidate of technical sciences.

Detention and Charges

Yerzhan Kuldeyev, vice-rector for corporate governance and strategic planning at Satbayev University, was detained in Almaty on suspicion of a corruption offense. He was formally designated a suspect in the criminal case on September 7. His actions have been preliminarily classified as giving a bribe. The investigation is being handled by the Anti-Corruption Service of the National Security Committee. Investigators have not ruled out that additional charges under other articles of the Criminal Code may be added during the investigation.

Career and Recognition

Kuldeyev began his career at the university about 40 years ago as a student and later rose from lecturer to vice-rector. He is a laureate of the Al-Farabi State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan in science and technology, a candidate of technical sciences, a professor, an academician, and a corresponding member of the International Engineering Academy. In April 2026, Kuldeyev was awarded the Kurmet order for achievements in science and contribution to the development of higher education.