Wanted in Kazakhstan, Argyn Nigmatulin may be outside the country, reportedly in Portugal, where property worth around 3 billion tenge is registered in his wife's name. This circumstance potentially complicates his possible extradition to the Kazakh authorities.
WHERE THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED
According to the Telegram channel 'Exit to the Sea', it concerns a villa worth around 3 billion tenge, located in southern Portugal. The property is situated in the resort town of Carteira, in the Fonte Santa area, on Loule' Velho street.
According to the source, a traditional villa previously stood on the plot, but it was demolished in 2017 and a modern house was built. The cost of similar properties in this region is estimated at roughly €5 million, though the exact amount spent on construction is not specified.
WHO OWNS THE PROPERTY
The property is registered to the company Heartwood Limited, incorporated in Malta. The sole owner is listed as Naile Belbayeva — the wife of Argyn Nigmatulin.
It is noted that images of the villa are partially obscured on online mapping services, but certain features, including a high fence, remain visible.
WANTED STATUS
The former director of the hockey club 'Saryarka', Argyn Nigmatulin, has been on the wanted list for over a year.
He is suspected in a number of cases, including possible corruption offences. It is reported that in early February of this year, the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan sent a request for his search to Turkey.
FAMILY'S OVERSEAS ASSETS
In addition to the villa in Portugal, the family is said to own property in other countries. In particular, an apartment in Dubai valued at around 170 million tenge is mentioned, as well as properties in Kazakhstan, registered in the wife's name.