(19 February 2026 | Source: Telegram channel «HALYQSTAN»)
A court hearing in Kostanay has concluded in a fraud case involving a fake consignment of cigarettes. Five local residents have been found guilty by the court of fraud amounting to 15 million tenge. The court took into account the voluntary compensation of damages and mitigating circumstances, imposing a sentence that does not involve deprivation of liberty.
HOW THE CONFLICT DEVELOPED
According to Telegram channel «HALYQSTAN», the incident occurred in September last year. According to court materials, a group of Kostanay residents prepared 78 boxes, which they filled with polystyrene and sand instead of cigarettes. The fraudulent goods were sold to a businessman for 15 million tenge, after which the accused went into hiding. They were later detained by the police.
THE COURT PROCEEDINGS
The state prosecutor requested a sentence of 4 years' imprisonment for each participant in the crime, to be served in a medium-security correctional facility. The victim, on the other hand, requested a sentence that did not involve deprivation of liberty.
The court took into account a number of mitigating circumstances:
- sincere repentance of the defendants;
- full admission of guilt;
- voluntary compensation of damages;
- four of the defendants have minor children.
No aggravating circumstances were established. Ultimately, each defendant was sentenced to 3 years of restriction of liberty with full probation supervision.