The convicted fraudster and former chairman of the board of the national chamber of entrepreneurs 'Atameken', Ablai Myrzakhmetov, has once again filed a petition for parole (conditional early release).
According to Tengrinews.kz, the application was received on 2 May 2025 and, at the time of publication, had not yet been reviewed. In January, the court refused Myrzakhmetov's request for a sentence commutation, citing a lack of positive behaviour and noting only one commendation for fulfilling his basic duties as a convict.
Myrzakhmetov is serving his sentence in correctional facility No. 46 in the Pavlodar region. Previously, the Prosecutor General's Office published video footage showing him during the launch of a sewing workshop producing big-bag sacks. The production was organised as part of a labour rehabilitation programme for convicts.
According to the prosecutor's office, Myrzakhmetov took an active part in launching the production line: he purchased some of the equipment at his own expense and sews products alongside other inmates.
It is reported that 120 jobs have been created in the colony. Inmates receive the minimum wage and may also qualify for bonuses and incentives.
To recall, in May 2024, Myrzakhmetov was found guilty of fraud on an especially large scale. He received a sentence of 5 years' imprisonment with the confiscation of 5.8 billion tenge.
According to the investigation, Talgat Boranbayev transferred $30 million to Ablai Myrzakhmetov in exchange for assistance in dropping a criminal case against his brother, convicted businessman Kairat Boranbayev.
It is also worth noting that from 2001 to 2002, Myrzakhmetov served as Minister of Transport and Communications. In March 2002, he was suspended from his post during the investigation of a criminal case, and in June of the same year he was arrested. In May 2003, Myrzakhmetov was charged with organising the theft of state property and sentenced to 5 years' imprisonment suspended, with confiscation of property.
Last September, it was reported that illegally obtained funds amounting to 7 billion tenge had been returned to the state from Myrzakhmetov.