InfoHub Logo

The Atyrau Regional Court has upheld a previous ruling concerning the construction of a dam in the Karabatan microdistrict, rejecting appeals filed by those convicted. This decision, made on April 10, means the initial verdict from the Atyrau City Court dated December 23, 2025, is now legally binding.

The case involves several high-ranking officials from 'Karabatan Utility Solutions' LLP, representatives of a contracting organization, and associated individuals. Investigations revealed that state funds were misappropriated during the construction of an earth dam within a special economic zone amidst a state of emergency due to flooding in the Atyrau region.

Key Figures and Allegations

The total damages reported amounted to 63,307,529 tenge. The trial, which commenced on May 2, 2024, saw several individuals accused. Among the defendants were Bakytzhan Kaldybaev, Deputy Chairman for Economics and Finance at 'Karabatan Utility Solutions' LLP; Zhenisbek Lukpanov, Deputy Production Manager; Askhat Duisengaliyev, Vice President of 'Atyrau Zhylu Zhel' JSC; Salamat Zhangaliyev, Director of 'BatisKurylysInvest' LLP; and Temir Bisembaev, a private entrepreneur.

The court also issued separate rulings regarding former 'Karabatan Utility Solutions' Chairman I. Ilyin and A. Akhmedov, Director of the Capital Construction Department, noting potential criminal offenses in their actions. These cases have been forwarded to the Anti-Corruption Agency for the Atyrau region.

Details of the Embezzlement Scheme

Bakytzhan Kaldybaev was accused of accepting bribes and embezzling property entrusted to him on a particularly large scale. Salamat Zhangaliyev and Temir Bisembaev faced charges of bribery and fund misappropriation. According to the investigation, Askhat Duisengaliyev played a facilitating role, receiving a portion of the bribe money.

The initial verdict stated that Bakytzhan Kaldybaev, acting as interim Chairman of 'Karabatan Utility Solutions' LLP, colluded with Salamat Zhangaliyev, Director of 'BatisKurylysInvest' LLP, to embezzle funds allocated for the dam's construction. The court concluded that the theft was carried out with the assistance of Askhat Duisengaliyev and Temir Bisembaev.

One Defendant Acquitted

Notably, one of the defendants, Zhenisbek Lukpanov, was acquitted during the trial. His defense attorney, Almat Bakhrydenov, stated that the state prosecutor withdrew the charges as the court found no evidence of his involvement. Results from covert investigative actions also failed to confirm any criminal wrongdoing on his part.

The criminal case against Lukpanov was terminated on December 23, 2025, due to a lack of criminal elements. This decision also became legally effective after the appellate review.

Appeals Rejected

In their appeals, the convicted individuals and their lawyers argued that their guilt was not proven and that the first-instance court had conducted a one-sided trial. The defense highlighted that Temir Bisembaev had no employment with 'Karabatan Utility Solutions' or 'BatisKurylysInvest,' did not participate in their financial activities, and did not sign contracts between the client and contractor.

Based on these arguments, the defense requested the acquittal verdict be overturned and a judgment of innocence be issued. However, the appellate court confirmed that the first-instance court's verdict was legally sound and based on the evidence examined. The appeals from the convicted parties and their lawyers were dismissed.

This is reported by the information agency Azh.kz.