The Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) has completed its investigation into a criminal case concerning an alleged scheme involving the fraudulent confirmation of construction experience for participation in public procurement. According to the investigation, forged documents were entered into the 'Electronic Depository' system, which gave companies unfair advantages when bidding for tenders.
HOW THE SCHEME WORKED
According to the Almaty City FMA department, the director of KazStroyOpyt LTD LLP is suspected of organising the scheme under the guise of providing consulting services. The investigation believes that fictitious certificates of completed works and documents regarding the commissioning of facilities were entered into the 'Electronic Depository' system.
The investigation alleges that such documents allowed commercial organisations to confirm their experience in construction works and gain advantages when participating in public procurement. Case materials indicate that the scheme was advertised through social networks and internet platforms.
WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE CASE
The alleged group consisted of 11 people. The investigation also identified intermediaries through whom, according to law enforcement agencies, illegal rewards were passed to officials of the Shymkent City Department of Architecture, Urban Planning, and Land Relations.
These funds, it is alleged, were transferred in exchange for the confirmation of fictitious construction experience.
HOW MUCH MONEY IS INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION
Controlled legal entities were used to launder the alleged criminal proceeds. According to the FMA, these entities were used to accumulate and cash out funds.
The amount of alleged criminal proceeds exceeded 490 million tenge.
During the investigation, 56 companies were identified that obtained fictitious confirmation of experience and participated in public procurement. Materials regarding them have been sent to the relevant authorities for inspection.
WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN
Three suspects are in custody. Another eight individuals have been placed under a preventive measure in the form of a written undertaking not to leave the area and to behave properly.
The criminal case has been sent to court. No further information is disclosed in accordance with Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.