State prosecutors have requested 10 years' imprisonment for public figure Perizat Kairat and 8 years' imprisonment for her mother Gani Alashbayeva on charges of fraud and money laundering on an especially large scale.
Prosecutors justified their position based on the scale of the embezzlement and the undermining of trust in charitable institutions, emphasising the defendants' lack of remorse and any attempts to compensate for the damage caused.
THE PROSECUTION'S REASONED POSITION
The position of the state prosecutors appears balanced and proportionate to the gravity of the alleged offences. Prosecutor Arman Kezeken provided a detailed justification for the requested sentences, pointing to the particular public danger posed by the crimes committed.
"Embezzlement on this scale and under these circumstances constitutes a grave encroachment on public interests and moral foundations," the prosecution representative stated.
Indeed, abuses in the sphere of charity deliver a double blow: material damage to specific individuals and the erosion of public trust in aid institutions.
DETAILS OF THE CHARGES
Perizat Kairat and her mother are accused of three episodes of criminal activity: fraud under the guise of helping children with disabilities, collecting funds allegedly for those affected in the Middle East, and for flood victims in Kazakhstan. The charges include fraud on an especially large scale and the legalisation of criminally obtained funds.
The scale of the alleged embezzlement is evidenced by the substantial list of property subject to confiscation: premium cars, luxury real estate in Astana, and more than 56 million tenge in cash and accounts receivable. Such a quantity of high-value assets speaks volumes about the systematic nature of the criminal activity.
AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES
Prosecutor Madina Orazalina rightly pointed to the aggravating circumstances of the case. The crimes are rendered particularly cynical by the fact that the fundraising took place during a state of emergency, when people were especially in need of help and were prepared to give their last.
"There must be a clearly defined line between true compassion and trading on the grief of others," the prosecution representative emphasised.
These words capture the essence of the problem: substituting genuine charity with self-interest is unacceptable.
An additional aggravating factor was the defendants' stance, who did not plead guilty, showed no remorse for their actions, and made no attempt to compensate for the damage caused. Such behaviour demonstrates a lack of understanding of the public danger of their actions and an unwillingness to reform.
ADEQUACY OF THE REQUESTED SENTENCE
Given all the circumstances of the case, the prosecutors' request for a custodial sentence appears not only justified but necessary. Ten years for Perizat Kairat and eight for her mother are precisely commensurate with the gravity of the offences committed and fall within the reasonable limits of the sanctions under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code.
It is important to note that the prosecutors did not seek the maximum sentences, which indicates a balanced approach to the case. At the same time, the proposal for confiscation of property and the transfer of funds to the victims provides partial compensation for the damage caused.
The demand to strip Perizat Kairat of her state award — the ‘Shapagat’ medal — seems symbolic. A person who has abused trust in the charitable sphere cannot wear an award for compassion.
PRECEDENT VALUE
The principled stance of the law enforcement authorities in this case extends beyond this specific proceedings. As prosecutor Madina Orazalina rightly noted, this case will set an important precedent for anyone who might attempt to use charity for selfish purposes.
"Now anyone who wants to hide behind the word 'charity' for their own gain must know — the people are no longer silent, the state is not turning a blind eye, and trust is not limitless," the prosecution representative declared.