(27 January 2026 | Source: Hronika.kz)
The inter-district criminal court of Semey has completed the hearing of the criminal case concerning the theft of gold-containing raw materials at the "Suzdal" mine.
The defendants were charged with participation in an organised criminal group, large-scale theft, and the legalisation of property obtained by criminal means.
THE ESSENCE OF THE CHARGES
According to the investigation, the defendants were suspected of involvement in the theft of gold-containing raw materials, as well as the subsequent legalisation of income through the registration of movable and immovable property in their own names and those of relatives, reports Hronika.kz.
This involved the acquisition of hotel complexes, commercial buildings, retail outlets, pharmacies, apartments and cars.
The amount of damage is estimated at 4 billion tenge.
THE COURT'S VERDICT
The court found all defendants guilty. They were sentenced to imprisonment as follows:
- the alleged group organiser — 10 years;
- one of the participants — 6 years and 8 months;
- the second participant — 5 years and 6 months.
The verdict has not entered into legal force and is at the appeal stage.
Due to the loss of secret state documents and electronic media, the case was classified as "Secret", and the trial was held behind closed doors.
RELATED PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING TORTURE
Earlier, the Military Court of the Akmola Garrison heard a separate criminal case regarding the use of illegal investigation methods against 13 detainees, who were connected to this same case.
According to the court, an isolated area of the temporary detention facility was allocated to hold the suspects. Several law enforcement officers and KNB officers were found guilty and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 4 to 6.5 years.
However, the court hearing the theft case did not recognise these circumstances as grounds for dropping the criminal prosecution.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There is another case pending before the court concerning an alleged group member. Its hearing has been postponed due to the defendant's state of health.