In a significant anti-corruption ruling, a court in Astana has sentenced former Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports Yerlan Kozhagapanov to three years in prison for abuse of office in connection with the organization of a high-profile international forum.
The charges stem from Kozhagapanov’s role in the 2018 XV Interregional Forum of Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia, a diplomatic event attended by then-presidents Nursultan Nazarbayev and Vladimir Putin. According to findings by the Anti-Corruption Service, Kozhagapanov abused his official position by favoring the interests of a private company, Success K, during the forum’s planning and execution. Investigators concluded that the event’s expenses were inflated without justification, ultimately leading to the embezzlement of over one billion tenge in public funds.
The trial, which lasted five months, concluded with the court finding Kozhagapanov guilty under Article 361, Part 4, Clause 3 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code. He has been sentenced to serve his term in a medium-security penal colony, with the court also ordering a lifetime ban from holding positions in civil service, judiciary, local governments, and roles within the National Bank of Kazakhstan or its departments. Additionally, Kozhagapanov was stripped of all state awards, including the Order of Aibyn (2nd degree).
Co-defendant Lyazzat Kokkozova, head of Success K, also stood trial. Originally charged with embezzlement, her charges were later downgraded to fraud under Article 190 of the Criminal Code. The court found her guilty and sentenced her to five years in prison, while also ordering her to repay over one billion tenge to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Kozhagapanov was detained in March 2024 as part of a broader investigation into mismanagement of public funds tied to the 2018 forum, which produced several key bilateral agreements between Kazakhstan and Russia, including updates to the Baikonur Cosmodrome lease arrangement and cross-border movement protocols for residents in adjacent regions.
The case is seen as part of Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to curb corruption and enhance transparency in the public sector.
By FCCT Editorial Team freeslots dinogame telegram营销
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