A video message has emerged online from a man who claims to have taken part in staged actions related to the issues of granite slabs and tree felling in Almaty. His version of events adds new details to the investigation, within which Sanzhar Bokayev was previously detained.
WHO MADE THE STATEMENT
The man identified himself as Akhridin Khamrakulov. He said he works as a general labourer in Almaty and met Sanzhar Bokayev in 2023 while doing home renovations.
WHAT THE VIDEO'S AUTHOR ALLEGES
According to Khamrakulov, at the end of 2025 Bokayev contacted him again and instructed him to purchase granite slabs. The man stated that he brought them to a cemetery, where the laying process was filmed.
He noted that the first attempt at filming was unsuccessful, after which the task was repeated. Furthermore, he said he was instructed to cut down trees in Baum Grove, for which he received around 100,000 tenge.
STATEMENT ABOUT THE 'STAGING'
Khamrakulov also commented on a previously published video in which he claimed there was pressure from the police. According to him, there was in fact no pressure, and the video was staged.
He alleges that Bokayev's lawyer, Dias Akhmetov, proposed staging the scene, promising that he would be released after it caused a stir on social media. The man stated that he agreed out of fear and acted according to instructions.
LEGAL STATUS AND CIRCUMSTANCES
Khamrakulov said he was not aware of the illegality of the actions involving the removal of the slabs and the felling of trees. According to him, following the proceedings he received a 2-year suspended sentence.
The materials do not specify under which articles the case was considered, nor do they present the position of Sanzhar Bokayev or his lawyer.
CONTEXT
On 18 March, it became known about the detention of Sanzhar Bokayev in Almaty on suspicion of large-scale fraud and spreading false information. According to the Prosecutor General's Office, he may have been involved in organising high-profile incidents related to tree felling and theft.
The suspect's guilt has not been proven; the final decision will be made by the court.