Kazakhstan court jails ex-airline executives for years-long embezzlement scheme
Almatyâs Almaly District Court has convicted three former managers of FlyArystan and Air Astana for large-scale embezzlement and money laundering. The case involved the misappropriation of company funds over five years, with the stolen money used to buy property. The court handed down prison sentences ranging from eight and a half to nine years, alongside asset confiscation.
The trial centred on three defendantsâD.Y., R.A., and Y.I.âwho held senior roles at the airlines. Between 2019 and 2024, they diverted company funds to purchase movable and immovable assets. Two of the accused also faced additional charges beyond embezzlement and money laundering.
The court acknowledged mitigating factors, including the defendantsâ clean prior records and their status as parents of young children. Despite this, the sentences remained severe: two received eight years and six months in prison, while the third was jailed for nine years. All were ordered to forfeit assets acquired through criminal activity.
Air Astanaâs own investigation supported the courtâs findings, and the airline had previously reported the case to authorities. The verdict, delivered in December 2024, has not yet taken legal effect. Confiscated property will be used to compensate the victims.
The ruling marks the end of a high-profile case involving former aviation executives. The confiscated assets will now be returned to the affected companies. The defendants retain the right to appeal before the judgment becomes final.
