(15 January 2026 | Source: Financial Monitoring Agency)
A criminal case is being investigated in the capital of Kazakhstan against the head of two private medical clinics, suspected of illegally obtaining 682 million tenge from the Social Health Insurance Fund.
According to the Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM), investigative actions are being carried out in coordination with the prosecution authorities.
HOW THE SCHEME WAS ALLEGEDLY STRUCTURED ACCORDING TO THE INVESTIGATION
According to investigation materials, in 2022, contracts were concluded between the Social Health Insurance Fund and the clinics for the provision of medical services totalling 2.4 billion tenge, including services under the mobile medical train project.
After the project began, according to the investigation, the head of the clinics organised a scheme whereby knowingly false information about patients was entered into the information system. This involved registering individuals who had not actually received medical care, recording fictitious diagnoses and services.
The daily registration target, as stated in the case materials, was between 90 and 150 patients.
SUMS AND MOVEMENT OF FUNDS
As a result of these actions, according to the AFM, the clinics received payments for medical services that were not actually provided, totalling 682 million tenge.
It is also noted that in January 2024, part of the alleged criminal proceeds — 364 million tenge — was transferred to the personal accounts of the head of the clinics and his wife.
PROCEDURAL MEASURES
The suspect has been remanded in custody. His property has been seized by court order. The seized assets include a country house in Spain, a flat in Astana, and a car.
The investigation is ongoing. The AFM emphasised that, in accordance with Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, no further information is subject to disclosure.
CONTEXT: FOCUS ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR
The report of the investigation comes against the backdrop of recent government statements about the need to strengthen control over budget spending in the social sphere.
At a government meeting on 6 January 2026, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov pointed to instances of excessive funding and widespread fraudulent schemes in the subsidising of private schools and medical organisations.
In this regard, relevant ministries were instructed to prepare proposals within a week for revising the current subsidy mechanisms.