FBRK.KZ

In Kazakhstan, a whole industry of pseudo-specialists has emerged, profiting from people’s desire to change their lives quickly. Social media fuels this demand daily, peddling an image of the “successful life”, followed by extravagance, debt and disappointment.

In the West Kazakhstan region, the mortality of saiga antelopes and illness among livestock continues. Relevant authorities insist the situation is stable, while an independent scenario analysis warns: without timely intervention, a potential foot-and-mouth disease outbreak could affect between 9.5 and 23 million animals across the country by week 25.

The Criminal Court of Almaty Region found Talgar resident Serik Kassymzhomart guilty of murdering a pawnshop employee and sentenced him to 22 years. But how convincing is the evidence on which this verdict is based?

Inside a Kazakhstani Masonic lodge, a scandal erupted: a former leader attempted to extend his powers using a protocol signed by individuals who were not present at the meeting. The court declared the document invalid. The incident was reported by the current Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kazakhstan, Sergei Kravchenko.

Illegal tobacco is being sold openly — in queues, at central markets, just a few blocks from the tax office. The grey market's share has reached 20%, and for every pack sold, the state budget loses around 400 tenge. FBRI founder Kirill Pavlov has conducted an investigation in several cities across Kazakhstan and uncovered how the system operates, who is behind it, and why the state has failed to close this loophole for years.