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A significant criminal investigation into the alleged embezzlement of state funds intended for apple orchard development in Shymkent has concluded, revealing substantial financial losses. The case, which centers on a government support program, has now been sent to court.

Investigation Details and Key Suspects

According to the Financial Monitoring Agency, the former chairman of the Board of "Fund for Financial Support of Agriculture" JSC, Omarov Zh.D., is accused of orchestrating a scheme to embezzle funds. This was allegedly done through companies under his control, including Green Mart Kazakhstan LLP.

The investigation suggests that procurement of goods and services was conducted without competitive bidding, often relying on a single supplier. Furthermore, the costs of equipment and labor were reportedly inflated, with some services never actually rendered.

Despite these alleged discrepancies, false completion reports were submitted, leading to the transfer of state funds based on these inaccurate documents.

Financial Losses and Illegal Subsidies

The total financial damage to the state from this scheme is estimated to be over 430 million tenge (approximately $950,000 USD).

In addition to the direct embezzlement, the investigation uncovered instances of illegal acquisition of investment subsidies within the agro-industrial complex. Agricultural cooperatives were reportedly established to apply for funding for orchard development and cost reimbursement.

Over 327 million tenge (approximately $725,000 USD) was transferred to these cooperatives. However, only about 20% of these funds were used for their intended purpose. The remaining amount, exceeding 250 million tenge (approximately $555,000 USD), was allegedly converted to cash through intermediaries and spent improperly.

Legal Proceedings and Asset Seizure

As part of the investigation, a court has sanctioned the seizure of 108 hectares of land, valued at over 1 billion tenge (approximately $2.2 million USD). The primary suspect, Omarov Zh.D., has been taken into custody.

This case follows previous convictions related to the scheme. In August 2025, the former managing director of the fund, Iskakov M.K., and the head of Green Mart Kazakhstan LLP, Sazynbek R.B., were sentenced to 8 years in prison, with four vehicles confiscated. The former head of the Fund for Financial Support of Agriculture was detained in October 2025.