(27 January 2026 | Source: Telegram channel «Kozachkov offside»)
An internal investigation by the Agency for Civil Service Affairs (ACSA) has issued an official assessment of the high-profile conflict at the Karagandy Region Sports Department. Based on its findings, responsibility for breaching professional ethics standards has been placed on the head of the department, Serik Sapiyev, while the legal evaluation of the incident remains within the remit of the investigative authorities.
The document containing the conclusions of the ACSA internal inquiry was made public by journalist Mikhail Kozachkov.
WHAT THE ACSA FOUND
According to the conclusions of the internal investigation conducted by the ACSA department for the Karagandy Region, the conflict between Serik Sapiyev and Dauren Yesimkhanov, which took place on 21 January 2026, was not only verbal but also physical in nature. The findings were based on explanations from both parties, witness testimony, and analysis of CCTV footage.
The document states that the actions of the department head show signs of violating certain provisions of the Code of Ethics for Civil Servants of the Republic of Kazakhstan, relating to undermining the authority of state bodies and improper behaviour towards colleagues.
POSITIONS OF THE PARTIES AND PUBLIC REACTION
Earlier, Serik Sapiyev stated that what happened was not a personal or domestic conflict. According to him, the incident was linked to an attempt at an unlawful reshuffle of heads of sports organisations in the region without his knowledge, and that he had tried to resolve the situation peacefully. Sapiyev also emphasised that he viewed the events as resistance to systemic reforms in the field of sport.
The situation was also commented on by the akim of the Karagandy Region, Yermaganbet Bulekpaev, who urged against jumping to conclusions before all inspection procedures were completed. He reported that the ACSA would conduct an investigation, and that a comprehensive audit of the activities of the Department of Physical Culture and Sport would also be carried out. According to him, any potential misconduct and resulting liability should not affect the uninterrupted operation of the state body within the law.
INVESTIGATION AND PROCEDURAL STATUS
On 23 January, a video recording of a portion of the conflict between the department head and his deputy appeared in the public domain. The police department of the Karagandy Region confirmed that a criminal case had been opened under the article on «Assault» following a complaint from a 42-year-old resident of Karaganda, noting that no further information would be disclosed in the interests of the investigation.
The press service of the regional Department of Physical Culture and Sport stated that the incident would not be commented on as part of the investigation. It also denied reports that any member of the management had been hospitalised, confirming that both officials remained at their posts.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The ACSA report states that the internal investigation is considered closed, and the materials are being forwarded to the Ethics Council for a decision. Specific disciplinary measures are not outlined in the document.