Residents of Aktobe have lost more than 100 million tenge after trusting promises of earnings from government procurement. They were offered the investment scheme after completing training at a tender school, according to infohub.kz.
According to the victims, they were first trained in participating in government procurement and how to win tenders. Then students were invited to invest money in fulfilling orders received by other graduates of the school.
The organizers, according to the victims, explained this by saying that novice suppliers do not always have enough funds to purchase the necessary goods. Investors were asked to pay for a lot, and in return they were promised a reward paid out over several months.
"At first, the condition is that we must be students. Only students can invest. He shows all this on Instagram, he has a very large audience. He shows that you can earn this way: you attract investments, give money, and do nothing. Another student works for the benefit, and you receive a reward on top," said Aiman Shuriyeva.
Believing the promises, Aktobe residents handed over large sums. However, according to the victims, they received neither the promised income nor their invested funds. The total damage, by their calculations, exceeded 100 million tenge.
Seven people filed statements with the police. The suspect was placed under house arrest, but the victims demand that he be taken into custody. They fear that the man may continue to attract money and influence participants in the criminal case.
"Seven residents of the city filed statements requesting measures be taken against a 33-year-old local resident who, under the pretext of carrying out investment activities, fraudulently seized their funds. A criminal case has been registered on this fact," the Aktobe Region Police Department said.
A pre-trial investigation is underway. Police have not yet disclosed other details.