Karim Masimov, the former head of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee, is now facing two new criminal cases, Kazinform reports. Masimov has been placed in the National Security Committee's detention center for further investigation.
The charges against Masimov involve allegations related to the legalization of criminally obtained money and other property, concerning "Extreme bribery" under the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan.
This development follows Masimov's initial arrest on January 8, 2022, in connection with public unrest. Prior to this, he had been relieved of his position as the chairman of the National Security Committee, a role he held since September 2016. Masimov, known for his influence and close ties to former President Nursultan Nazarbayev, served in various key positions, including as the prime minister, head of the administration, and assistant to the president of Kazakhstan.
Immediately after his arrest, an investigative court detained Masimov for two months, charging him with attempted coup, treason, and abuse of power. Three of his former deputies were also implicated in the investigation and detained.
While Masimov's fourth deputy, General Samat Abish, the nephew of Nursultan Nazarbayev, was dismissed from the National Security Committee after the January events, he remained unarrested until September 2023 when the Prosecutor General's Office initiated an investigation. Abish faces allegations of abuse of power and is currently unable to leave Kazakhstan.
The current criminal case against Masimov is labeled as "secret," with the trial beginning in November last year and conducted entirely behind closed doors.
On April 24, Masimov received an 18-year sentence, while his deputy Anuar Sadikulov, and another former deputy, Daulet Ergozhin, were sentenced to 16 and 15 years, respectively. Marat Osipov received a 3-year sentence. The convicted individuals were also ordered to pay over KZT 10bn (approximately $21mn) and $24mn in restitution.
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