A scandal has erupted in Kokshetau involving apartment investors: 18 people invested over 120 million tenge in housing construction but have not received their apartments, reports KTK.
Over four years, the developer managed to build only one floor out of the planned twelve. The investors claim that in 2022, before signing the contract, they were shown an attractive project and assured that their dreams of homeownership would soon come true.
"In 2023, I came to get my money back, but they refused, saying 'We'll give you a storage room in this building instead.' A year later — they had driven a few piles — I came again, and they said, 'Wait. We'll compensate you with square meters.' You see? From 2022 to now, 2026, I have nothing!" Zhumatai Tazhibayev said indignantly.
When the investors began gathering information, they discovered that the founding company had initiated bankruptcy proceedings. "We asked both the akimat and the prosecutor's office to resolve the situation. We filed a criminal complaint because this looks like fraud. They collected our money, but construction is at a standstill. We can't find any answers," said Sara Aktayeva.
The developer's lawyer claims the company itself became a victim of circumstances. According to him, in 2021 the firm had the right to attract investor funds, signed a contract with an operator bank, and planned to sell apartments under a preferential program. But the situation changed, and now the company is actively seeking private investors. "The main reason is that Zhilstroysberbank canceled the preferential lending program, which led to the revocation of our permit. Construction was consequently suspended. In September of last year, we signed a contract with an investment company from Almaty. But for unknown reasons, no funds have been injected," explained lawyer Ildar Khismutdinov.
The akimat assured that resolving the investors' problem is a priority. They say they are trying to help — that an investor has already been found. "We received from them data on the number of investors and the project cost. They are currently conducting internal calculations to fully complete the project. In principle, the city akimat is supporting them—land plots and technical conditions will be provided," said the head of the Department of Land Relations, Architecture and Urban Planning of Kokshetau. However, specific deadlines were not given.