(13 January 2026 | Source: Telegram channel «Kozachkov offside»)
In Kazakhstan’s largest airport, an investigation into a corruption incident has resulted in criminal proceedings against a security service employee. The specialist who identified a violation by a colleague found himself in the dock after receiving 1 million tenge from a female airport employee.
At Almaty airport, an investigation into a corruption incident has led to criminal proceedings for a security service employee. The specialist who identified a violation by a colleague ended up in the dock after receiving 1 million tenge from a female airport employee.
HOW THE VIOLATION WAS IDENTIFIED
In early 2025, a specialist from the economic security group at Almaty airport, Bakhytzhan Kurmanbayev, recorded alleged illegal actions by passenger check-in agent Umida Abdukhalikova, according to case materials reported by journalist Mikhail Kozachkov.
As established, she received money from passengers for services that were not part of her job duties. The materials do not specify exactly which actions the money was given for.
Kurmanbayev collected video evidence and submitted it to the disciplinary committee, of which he himself was a member.
THE COMMITTEE'S DECISION AND SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The disciplinary committee concluded that a severe reprimand would suffice and decided not to dismiss the employee. After this, Kurmanbayev contacted Abdukhalikova and informed her that keeping her job was possible thanks to his involvement.
During a personal meeting outside the airport, according to the investigation, he demanded 1 million tenge for this. The woman agreed and handed over the money, after which Kurmanbayev was detained by law enforcement authorities.
COURT DECISION
The actions of the security service employee were classified as fraud committed by an official. In court, Kurmanbayev pleaded guilty and compensated for the damage caused.
The court imposed a sentence of 2 years of restricted freedom, but released the convicted person from serving it on the grounds of amnesty. At the time of publication, the verdict has not yet entered into legal force.