A court in Astana has concluded a trial in a case of fraud involving the sale of apartments. The victims numbered 51 people, with total damages exceeding 3 billion tenge, according to infohub.kz.
As detailed by the press service of Astana courts, the defendants — B., Ye., and Ch., D. — were accused of organizing and aiding fraud, i.e., theft of others' property by deception, committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy, using official position, on an especially large scale. Additionally, they were charged with embezzlement of entrusted property, also committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy using official position on an especially large scale, as well as illegal acquisition and use of special technical means for covertly obtaining information.
According to the indictment, the defendants, under the guise of selling apartments, non-residential premises, and parking spaces, received money from citizens in cash and non-cash forms into personal accounts. As a result, 51 victims suffered damages on an especially large scale — over 3 billion tenge. Furthermore, the criminals embezzled funds of a limited liability partnership by concluding fictitious sale contracts, while the money received from clients (over 3 billion tenge) did not reach the company, also causing damages on an especially large scale.
The defendants' guilt was confirmed by testimonies of victims and witnesses, expert conclusions, materials of covert investigative actions, physical evidence, and other case materials. The prosecutor supported the state prosecution and requested punishment in accordance with the law. The victims, considering the lack of compensation, insisted on a strict sentence.
The defendants and their defense disagreed with the charges and requested an acquittal. However, the court, taking into account the gravity of the crime, the absence of compensation, and the lack of admission of guilt, sentenced them to imprisonment for 8 and 9 years, with a 10-year ban on activities related to real estate sales. The verdict has not yet entered into legal force.