The court has sentenced Khasan Kasymbayev — referred to in the media as the leader of the criminal gang "Khutorskie". Kasymbayev and his associates were found guilty of kidnapping, extortion, and causing grievous bodily harm. The convicts deny their guilt and claim the case was fabricated.
According to ORDA, the investigation alleges that in the first episode in 2016, businessman Ayubzhan Tazhiyev was lured outside, beaten, and demanded one million tenge.
The second episode concerns the 2021 kidnapping and beating of MMA fighter Arman Alimov by members of a group he associates with Kasymbayev.
Five other people were also on trial alongside Kasymbayev. All defendants categorically denied their guilt and stated that the charges were fabricated.
Prosecutor Yerlan Kulanbayev requested 15 years' imprisonment for Kasymbayev and nine years each for his accomplices.
These demands provoked a strong reaction from the defendants, who again claimed pressure and that they were being made "scapegoats". An argument broke out between them and the prosecutor. Defendant Khasan Kasymbayev demanded that journalists be removed from the courtroom, and then smashed the glass of the protective dock (the "aquarium").
Earlier, Kasymbayev's wife stated that if the court delivered an unfair verdict, she would set herself on fire.
"My husband is not guilty of anything. Three children are waiting for him at home. If the court delivers an unfair verdict, I will set myself on fire right here," the woman said.
The defendant's mother also made similar statements.
"For the sake of my child, I will commit suicide if the court does not deliver a fair verdict. He is not guilty of anything! There is no justice!" she declared.
In his final statement, Kasymbayev said there was no evidence of his participation in the group or the crimes. He believes he became a "convenient culprit" because the case attracted heightened public attention.
In the end, the court sentenced Khasan Kasymbayev to 12 years' imprisonment, Sailau Aktanov to 8 years and 6 months, Daniyar Askarov to 8 years, Ruslan Aliyev to 8 years, Madiyar Kalymzhanov to 9 years and 6 months, and Nurmukhamet Sultanbekov to 22 years' imprisonment. The sentences have entered into legal force.
After the verdict was announced, Kasymbayev responded calmly to journalists.
"The case was high-profile — and it was examined in a one-sided manner. You followed the trial from the beginning, you saw everything yourselves," he stated.
He declined to continue the conversation. The convict's wife — Zulfiya Kasymbayeva — also considers the verdict unfounded. The family and defence intend to file an appeal.
For context, Khasan Kasymbayev was arrested in November last year. It was reported that the materials of the criminal case against him amount to 36 volumes.
Kasymbayev's name was previously mentioned in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Sherzat Polat in Talgar — locals called him the leader of the "Khutorskie" group, which was allegedly involved in the crime. This information has not been officially confirmed. The trial into the murder of Sherzat Polat concluded on 5 June in Taldykorgan — nine people received sentences ranging from one and a half to 23 years.