Investigative authorities are checking the possible involvement of Sanzhar Bokayev in the signing of a contract for a corporate event at JSC 'KazTransGas', where the cost of services, according to the investigation, may have been significantly inflated. The preliminary amount in question is over 100 million tenge.
WHICH CONTRACT IS AT THE CENTRE OF THE INVESTIGATION
As reported by Polites News citing sources in law enforcement agencies, the investigation is linked to a broader inquiry in which Bokayev already features in other episodes, including suspicions of fraud and dissemination of false information.
According to investigators, during his time as an advisor to the chairman of the board of JSC 'KazTransGas', which was headed by Kairat Sharipbayev, Bokayev may have influenced the signing of a contract to organise a New Year corporate event.
The contract was signed with two limited liability partnerships. It later emerged that one of them belonged to a close acquaintance of Bokayev, and the second to an acquaintance of his.
WHAT THE PARTIES INVOLVED SAY
One of those questioned stated that they had not actually organised any events and had signed the contract formally as the company's director. According to them, they later transferred the business to a relative of Bokayev at his request.
The second individual involved confirmed their participation in organising the event but stated that they did not control the financial flows. According to them, the funds were transferred to the accounts of companies specified by Bokayev. The investigation has established that one of these companies belonged to his mother.
WHAT THE SUSPICIONS ARE
According to the investigating authorities, the cost of services may have been inflated when the terms of the contract were agreed. The preliminary amount in question is over 100 million tenge, which the investigation considers as possible illegal income.
It is reported that additional circumstances are currently being established, and individuals allegedly involved in the financial schemes are giving testimony.
CONNECTION TO OTHER EPISODES
This episode is being considered as part of a wider investigation. On 18 March, the General Prosecutor's Office announced the detention of Sanzhar Bokayev.
The investigation believes he may have been involved in orchestrating staged videos about tree felling and thefts, and is also suspected of embezzling funds on an especially large scale. The exact amounts have not been disclosed.
EMERGENCE OF NEW EVIDENCE
On 19 March, a video address from Akhridin Khamrakulov appeared, in which he claimed involvement in staged actions on the instructions of Bokayev.
He asserts that he received money for taking part in the filming, and that one of the videos about police pressure was staged on the suggestion of lawyer Dias Akmetov.
WHAT IS KNOWN SO FAR
The investigation is ongoing, and no final conclusions have been reached. Bokayev's guilt in the alleged offences has not been proven, and the final decision will be made by the court.