FBRK.KZ

In Atyrau, following internal investigations by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the head of the city police department and several unit leaders have been suspended. The department reported identified disciplinary violations, weak oversight, and problems in the organisation of work. The inspections are carried out on a regular basis as part of the internal control system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

In Ust-Kamenogorsk, the opening of a shoe shop was accompanied by a crush due to a massive influx of visitors attracted by free distributions of plov, candy floss and 100 pairs of shoes. At the end of the event, people began to push and shove, trying to get treats and gifts. The situation nearly led to injuries and became an example of the risks involved in organising mass events with free offerings.

The Ekibastuz prosecutor's office secured the return to state ownership of special-purpose vehicles worth over 235 million tenge after the lifting of seizures caused by the lack of registration of rights to 21 vehicles, previously transferred to the akimat from Ekibastuzteploenergo LLP.

In Almaty, the investigation into the alleged financial pyramid scheme 'Boxy Wealth' has been completed. According to the AFM, 78 people invested over 110 million tenge through investment packages promising high returns. Funds were received via individuals' accounts and converted into cryptocurrency. The suspect has been taken into custody, her assets seized, and the case has been sent to court.

In Astana, in the Yesil district, a fire broke out in a flat on the 15th floor of the Korkem-3 residential complex. Three children died as a result of the blaze, while a woman with burns was rescued and hospitalised. Around 20 people were evacuated from the building, and approximately 40 other residents made their own way out. According to the Department for Emergency Situations, access to the building was hampered by parked cars and a blocked entrance. A pre-trial investigation has been launched into the incident, and expert examinations have been ordered.

In Kazakhstan, the crime rate fell by 9% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reports a reduction in offences across all major categories, an increase in detection rates, and a decline in online fraud. Preventative measures and disciplinary oversight have been strengthened, and priorities for the agency's future work have been set.

The first test launch of the “Sunkar” (Soyuz-5) rocket from Baikonur has been postponed to 13–16 April due to additional checks. The launch was previously scheduled for 3 April and has been repeatedly delayed. The “Baiterek” project, within which the launch is taking place, is being implemented by Kazakhstan and Russia and remains at the testing stage.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that elections for the unicameral Kurultai will be held in August after the new Constitution comes into force. He emphasised that the early announcement of the campaign gives political parties around five months to prepare. The elections are seen as part of extensive political reforms and the transformation of the system of power in the country.

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at an awards ceremony for scientists, announced an increase in funding for science and measures of systematic support for the sector. He spoke of providing housing and grants for young scientists, and also emphasised the need to integrate scientific developments into the economy. The head of state reminded the audience that science has been enshrined as a priority in the new Constitution and proposed the establishment of the Order of Al-Farabi for achievements in the scientific and cultural spheres.

A court in Aktobe has found former head of an aircraft repair plant, Gennady Mezentsev, guilty of theft of property and sentenced him to 7 years in prison. According to the investigation, between 2017 and 2021, aviation components were written off at the enterprise without being actually used. The court also ordered him to pay compensation for damages amounting to 83 million tenge. The verdict has not yet entered into legal force.