The National Security Committee (NSC) has confirmed that a pre-trial investigation is under way following reports of the possible involvement of former Zhanaozen akim Zhanselt Kainarbayev in a kidnapping.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION
According to Ulysmedia.kz, the NSC confirmed that a pre-trial investigation is being conducted but declined to disclose details, citing the secrecy of the investigation.
However, the agency did not specify the former official's procedural status.
DETAILS OF THE ALLEGED KIDNAPPING
As journalist Mikhail Kozachkov reported on his Telegram channel “Kozachkov offside”, a tense meeting took place in Aktau between Zhanselt Kainarbayev and an acquaintance. When the man decided to leave, he was, according to the journalist's source, forcibly held in a Lexus 600.
According to preliminary information, the first vice-president of the Sambo Federation, Manarbek Bisekenov, and his associates may have been involved. Later, the man was presumably taken out of the city. On the way, officers of the Department of the National Security Committee (DNSC) detained a group of eight people, including Kainarbayev and Bisekenov.
According to Kozachkov, the criminal case is being investigated under the article on kidnapping by a group of persons by prior conspiracy.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT ZHANSELT KAINARBAYEV
Zhanselt Kainarbayev is 42 years old. Since the beginning of 2024, he has held the position of akim of Zhanaozen in the Mangystau Region. In September 2026, he was appointed akim of the Karakiyan district of the same region.
Kainarbayev has worked in senior positions in local government bodies.
