(9 February 2026 | Source: Hronika.kz)
The investigation into the former chief architect of Shymkent and several other high-ranking officials has entered the judicial phase. The case will be heard in Taraz, although the key figures are linked to Shymkent and the Zhambyl region, giving the proceedings an interregional character.
WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE CASE
According to the publication Hronika.kz, Arman Abdeshov, Almasbek Bobeev, Nurbol Zhunusbekov, as well as businesspeople Nurbol Nurtayev and Kasiyev Tashimbetov will appear before the court. All five have been charged under Part 4 of Article 189 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Misappropriation or embezzlement of entrusted another's property on an especially large scale").
The businessperson Nurbol Nurtayev has additionally been charged under Part 3 of Article 218 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Legalisation (laundering) of money or other property obtained by criminal means, on a large scale").
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Nurbol Nurtayev, Arman Abdeshov and Nurbol Zhunusbekov are being held in custody and will be brought to court under escort.
Almasbek Bobeev and Kasiyev Tashimbetov have been placed under house arrest as a preventive measure — they will attend court hearings on their own. No further details on the preventive measures are specified in the case materials.
WHY THE CASE CAUSED CONTROVERSY
Arman Abdeshov's most recent position was as chief architect of Shymkent, to which he was appointed in February 2025. His arrest, already in August, sparked public outcry — there was public discussion about whether the alleged activities could be linked to his work in the metropolis.
The National Security Committee confirmed the arrest, but details were not disclosed. The Deputy Akim of Shymkent, Sarsen Kuranbek, stated that the interest of law enforcement agencies concerned Abdeshov's previous official work and was not related to his work in Shymkent.
PREVIOUS OFFICIAL WORK
From August 2020 to October 2022, Arman Abdeshov headed the department of architecture and urban planning of the Zhambyl region, then from October 2022 to December 2023, he led the relevant department of the city of Taraz.
Notably, the current head of architecture of Taraz, Almasbek Bobeev, is also among the accused in the case.
Nurbol Zhunusbekov previously held senior positions in land relations and urban planning structures of the Turkestan region and Shymkent, starting from 2018.
WHEN THE CASE WILL BE HEARD
The preliminary court hearing is scheduled for 9 February at 17:30 in Court No. 2 of the city of Taraz.