In Aktobe, victims of a fraud case linked to a national clothing store gathered outside the police department, expressing dissatisfaction with the progress of the investigation, reports infohub.kz.
One of the victims, Asel Duisova, said: "Their advertising claimed they had been around for over five years and paid dividends. For instance, you invest money and get dividends of 20 percent or more. I was interested in their jewelry and production, which were in the national style. So I invested money to earn interest and buy outfits."
Lawyer Nurbolat Kamyspay stated that at least four people were involved in the scheme. "One of them has been placed under house arrest. The others are currently witnesses in the case, even though all four had defined roles. Each had their own role. One person led the organization. They all profited, indicating the group's stability," he explained.
The store, which sold clothing and jewelry in the national style, attracted money from Aktobe residents. Buyers were offered the chance to become brand investors with a promised return of 20 percent or more. Payments were said to be monthly, and as a bonus, investors could choose any item from the assortment. However, payments soon stopped.
According to police, 68 people have been recognized as victims. The total damage is preliminarily estimated at nearly 100 million tenge. Law enforcement assures that those responsible will be punished. Deputy Head of the Aktobe Region Police Department Aset Kaliyev said: "Necessary investigative actions have been carried out. A preventive measure has been applied to the founder of the store by the court. Also, five people have been recognized as suspects in the criminal case, including a relative and a friend of the founder."
Earlier it was reported that the Aktobe police department is investigating a criminal case of fraud related to investments in the development of a national brand. Since the beginning of 2024, residents of the region have been informed via Instagram about the activities of a store specializing in the sale of clothing and accessories in the national style. The store's page contained information about investment opportunities with promises of high returns. At that time, 8 victims were reported, with damages exceeding 72 million tenge.