Kazakhstan convicts 30 in $5.3 million livestock subsidy fraud
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A court in Kostanay, Kazakhstan, convicted 30 individuals for embezzling 2.5 billion tenge in livestock subsidies. Sentences range from 2 to 14 years in prison. The fraud involved falsified documents and non-existent livestock.
Fraudulent Scheme Details
The scheme operated from December 2021 to June 2023, targeting subsidies meant for livestock development and meat processing. According to Tengrinews, the fraud involved three main episodes: 1.2 billion tenge in investment subsidies for a meat processing plant that did not meet capacity requirements, 354 million tenge for non-compliant livestock from farmers, and over 1 billion tenge for non-existent livestock, known as 'phantom cattle'.
Court Sentences and Reactions
The court sentenced Alexander Parkhomenko, director of BEEF EXPORT GROUP, to 14 years in prison. Other sentences included 10 years for another company director and 9 years for the group's accountant. Several defendants received suspended sentences or were released due to amnesty. The court also ordered the confiscation of assets, including 1.3 million dollars and over 600 million tenge.
30 Convicted in 2.5 Billion Tenge Fraud
The Kostanay court convicted 30 individuals for embezzling 2.5 billion tenge intended for agricultural development. The defendants included a meat processing plant director, veterinarians, and agriculture department officials.
Cattle Theft Statistics 2024
Kazakhstan police have suppressed 58 criminal groups involved in cattle theft since the start of 2024. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 266 cattle thefts were registered in five months, an 11% decrease from the same period in 2023. Authorities detained 258 suspects and returned over 1,000 stolen animals to their owners.
What's Next
The defendants are expected to appeal the verdicts. It remains uncertain how this case will impact future subsidy allocations in Kazakhstan.
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Kazakhstan convicts 30 in $5.3 million livestock subsidy fraud
