Altai Ali has left his post as chairman of the committee for automobile transport and transport control of the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development. His departure followed high-profile accusations of corruption and lobbying. Despite the scandal, the official received a new appointment — he became deputy akim of Zhambyl region for construction and housing and communal services.
According to ORDA, Ali's resignation came two months after the dismissal of Yerbol Kulymbet, who held the position of head of the transport control department for Zhambyl region.
Controversy erupted around his career advancement: subordinates claimed that in just a year and a half, Kulymbet rose from an ordinary employee to a manager. This rapid promotion was explained by possible family ties with Altai Ali.
It is worth recalling that after the publication of materials by the FBK in August, the Ministry of Transport was forced to confirm the family ties between the officials: the mother of Yerbol Kulymbet and the father of Altai Ali are brother and sister.
At the same time, the department noted that no conflict of interest was identified, as cousins are not covered by the restrictions established by anti-corruption legislation.
The scandal gained resonance after the chief specialist of the transport inspection of Zhambyl region, Nursultan Bulatbekov, appealed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with a statement. He accused the leadership of extortion, 'turning a blind eye', and abuse of power.
The appointment of Altai Ali to Zhambyl region is seen as a formal demotion: previously he worked in the central apparatus of the ministry, and has now been transferred to the regional level with less political weight and influence.