(12 January 2026 | Source: Astana City Prosecutor's Office)
In Astana, the investigation into possible embezzlement at the emergency medical services station has concluded with the case being sent to court.
According to the investigation, the illegal actions led to a reduction in the number of functioning ambulances and caused the state damages totalling 850 million tenge on an especially large scale. The station's vehicle fleet has now been fully restored.
HOW THE SCHEME WAS UNCOVERED
As reported by the Astana City Prosecutor's Office, the investigation was conducted jointly with the Department of the National Security Committee (DNSC) for the city of Astana. An interagency investigative task force was established under the direction of special prosecutors.
The investigation established facts of illegal write-offs of ambulance vehicle parts, as well as the conclusion of fictitious contracts for the provision of services. According to the investigation, these actions affected the number of functioning ambulances.
CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE FLEET
The prosecutor's office indicated that some ambulances were taken out of service due to the theft of components and spare parts. It is noted, however, that the vehicle fleet of the '103' service has now been fully restored. No further details on the timeframe or mechanisms of the restoration are provided in the materials.
WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE CASE
Four station employees have been detained in connection with the case, including two middle managers and the director. Their actions have been classified under Article 189 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan — misappropriation or embezzlement of entrusted property, committed by a group of individuals, including persons equated to those performing state functions, on an especially large scale.
CASE STATUS
The criminal case has been sent to court. No decision on the merits of the charges has been made at the time of publication. Other procedural details are not specified in the materials.
PREVIOUSLY ON THE SUBJECT
Previously, Mazhilis deputy Askhat Aimagambetov drew attention to systemic problems in the operation of the emergency medical services, including a shortage of ambulances, rapid wear and tear of equipment, and difficulties with insuring drivers' civil liability.