Kazakhstan has uncovered a scheme to embezzle sponsorship funds allocated for the opening of a burn unit in Zhanaozen. Investigators from the Agency for Financial Monitoring of the Republic of Kazakhstan found that of the 223 million tenge transferred for medical equipment, only 92 million tenge reached its intended purpose, and instead of a fully equipped facility, the hospital received just two anti-burn beds, infohub.kz reports.

According to case materials, in 2025 the Health Department of the Mangystau Region asked KazMunayGas National Company JSC to provide sponsorship assistance for opening a burn unit. OzenMunayGas JSC then transferred 223 million tenge to the Zharylqau public foundation.

The project initially called for the purchase of eight types of medical equipment and staff training. Later, however, the terms were changed: instead of comprehensive equipping of the unit, a trilateral agreement was concluded between the public foundation, the city hospital and AKBS Invest LLP for the purchase of only two anti-burn beds.

"At the same time, the procurement was carried out bypassing legal requirements that mandate the purchase of medical equipment of such value through a single distributor," the Agency for Financial Monitoring said.

According to investigators, those involved in the illegal scheme include the deputy director of the city hospital, the head of the Zharylqau public foundation, the supplier, and a former deputy akim of Zhanaozen.

In the end, only 92 million tenge was spent on equipment. The remaining sum was cashed out through affiliated companies and distributed among the participants.

"A representative of AKBS Invest LLP used the proceeds of crime to buy an apartment in the capital, which was registered in the names of third parties," the AFM added.

Three suspects were placed in custody. A probe has been launched against the former deputy akim of Zhanaozen on charges of abuse of office. Assets belonging to those involved in the scheme were seized, including 3 apartments, 2 residential houses and a car.

The investigation is ongoing.

Earlier, Kursiv wrote that the Agency for Financial Monitoring is investigating 36 criminal cases involving fraud in the mandatory social health insurance system.