Kazakhstan probes 108 million tenge embezzlement in rural electrification scandal
A pretrial investigation has been launched in Kazakhstan's Zhambyl Region over allegations of inflicting large-scale financial damage to the state, Liter.kz reports, citing the regional prosecutor's office.
The violations were uncovered by the Merkensky District Prosecutor's Office during a review of budget spending by the local Department of Architecture, Urban Planning, and Construction. Investigators found that the agency had transferred 108 million tenge to a contractor for the construction of electrical networks in the Mynkazgan village residential area—despite the fact that no work was actually carried out.
On March 30, 2026, the district prosecutor's office initiated a pretrial investigation under Part 2, Article 4(189) of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code (misappropriation or embezzlement of entrusted property on an especially large scale).
The case has since been referred to the Zhambyl Regional Department of the National Security Committee (KNB) for further proceedings. Investigators are currently conducting the necessary procedural steps to establish all circumstances of the crime.
The oversight authority noted that further details cannot be disclosed under Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code to protect the integrity of the investigation. Conviction for such offenses carries severe penalties under Kazakh law, including imprisonment with confiscation of assets.
