Three Arrested in Mangistau Over Embezzlement of 223 Million Tenge in Hospital Sponsorship

An embezzlement of funds allocated as sponsorship for the Zhanaozen Multidisciplinary City Hospital is under investigation in the Mangistau Region. This was reported by infohub.kz.

According to the official Telegram channel of the Mangistau Regional Department of the Agency for Financial Monitoring, in 2025 the Mangistau Regional Health Department asked JSC NC KazMunayGas to provide sponsorship for the opening of a burn unit. 223 million tenge was allocated for the project, which JSC OzenMunayGas transferred to the Zharylqau public foundation.

Initially, the project envisaged the purchase of eight types of medical equipment and specialist training. However, its terms were later changed: instead of comprehensive equipping of the department, 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 worth 210 million tenge.

At the same time, the AFM noted, the procurement was carried out bypassing legal requirements that mandate the purchase of medical equipment of such value through a single distributor.

"According to the investigation, the deputy director of the city hospital, the head of the Zharylqau public foundation, the former deputy akim of Zhanaozen, and a supplier are involved in the illegal scheme. Only 92 million tenge was spent on purchasing the equipment. The rest, according to the investigation, was cashed out through affiliated enterprises and distributed among the participants in the scheme," the agency said.

According to the AFM, a representative of AKBS Invest LLP used the proceeds of crime to buy an apartment in the capital, which he registered in the names of third parties.

A criminal investigation has been launched against the former deputy akim of Zhanaozen on charges of abuse of office under Article 361 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Three suspects have been taken into custody. With court approval, their property has been seized, including 3 apartments, 2 houses, and a car. The investigation is ongoing.