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Money Seized from Corrupt Kazakh Officials to Fund Water Pipelines

In Kazakhstan's Akmola region, water supply systems will be built in the towns of Kosshy and Makinsk using funds seized from corrupt officials. The government of Kazakhstan reported that more than 1 billion KZT (approximately $2 million) from the Special State Fund has been allocated for this purpose. Water Supply for Kosshy and Makinsk A total of 476.7 million KZT (about $925,000) has been allocated to complete the construction of a water supply network in Kosshy. The project envisions full centralization of the town’s water supply. Currently, approximately 50 kilometers of pipeline have already been laid, with the total network planned to span 64.1 kilometers. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of this year. The town’s existing infrastructure is designed for 30,000 residents, while the official population has already surpassed 50,000. According to Kosshy’s General Development Plan, the number of residents could reach 150,000 by 2038. In Makinsk, the reconstruction of water supply networks is ongoing. The project includes laying 72.7 kilometers of new pipes. To date, 45 kilometers have been completed using previously allocated funds. A new allocation of 606.4 million KZT (around $1.2 million) will enable the full completion of the project, ensuring centralized water supply for the town’s more than 18,000 residents. Returned Assets Benefit Society Recovering illegally withdrawn assets has become a key priority of Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Service. This work, based on the principle of “follow the money,” is a major component of the national anti-corruption strategy. Since 2022, over 1.12 trillion KZT ($2.1 billion) has been recovered for the state and quasi-state sector entities. Asset recovery efforts are conducted both domestically and internationally, using cooperation channels such as GlobE, CARIN, and ARIN. Schools, Medical Centers, and Water Pipelines: How Returned Funds Are Used The Special State Fund has already financed approximately 280 projects in education, healthcare, social protection, sports, and the modernization of engineering and water networks. Earlier this year, it was reported that 1.4 billion KZT (around $2.7 million) would be used to build water facilities in 11 villages in the Aktobe region. Additionally, in April, 2.5 billion KZT (approximately $4.8 million) was allocated for the reconstruction of the main water pipeline in Turkestan region. These efforts are expected to significantly improve water supply for residents of several rural settlements. The Ministry of Education also announced that 28 new schools will be built using funds recovered from corrupt officials, providing education to 22,000 children. The initiative to use recovered assets for the development of social infrastructure highlights the tangible benefits of anti-corruption efforts, with the projects in Kosshy and Makinsk standing as prime examples of how returned funds can directly improve the lives of citizens.

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Kazakhstan Targets Anonymous Telegram Channels Over Disinformation Concerns

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information has launched a vocal campaign against anonymous Telegram channels, accusing them of fueling misinformation and destabilizing public discourse. Minister Aida Balayeva has called for stricter controls and accountability from both platform administrators and users. Breeding Grounds for Misinformation Minister Aida Balayeva described anonymous Telegram channels as “breeding grounds for lies,” arguing that their content undermines public stability and trust. Balayeva accused their operators of systematically disseminating fake news and orchestrating provocations designed to manipulate public opinion. The ministry, she said, is pursuing legal mechanisms to identify and block such platforms. “Our clear position is the issue of strengthening responsibility for the deliberate spread of fakes. I believe that anonymity should not be a shield for provocateurs,” Balayeva stated, emphasizing that rules should apply equally online and offline. Balayeva cited the recent case of the Telegram channel Qirsabyn, whose administrators were detained in Astana and Karaganda. According to Kazakhstan’s Prosecutor General’s Office, the individuals allegedly extorted money by threatening to publish false and compromising information. “I think it is time to sit down at the negotiating table with the Telegram administration,” Balayeva added. Battling War Propaganda Balayeva also addressed efforts by her ministry to counter war-related propaganda, particularly content originating from Russian platforms. According to her, some social networks promote mercenary enlistment for the war in Ukraine, targeting citizens across the Commonwealth of Independent States, including Kazakhstan. The ministry reportedly monitors these platforms and alerts site administrators when illegal or harmful content is identified. “The volume of throw-ins and unlawful materials is huge. In any case, it affects the mood of society, and causes resonances,” Balayeva noted. No Blanket Ban on Platforms While advocating for accountability, Balayeva clarified that Kazakhstan does not aim to impose a blanket ban on social networks. She emphasized that maintaining information integrity is a shared responsibility between government bodies, platform operators, and users. “They often talk about blocking different social networks. I want to say: all this depends not only on the administrators of social networks and the actions of government agencies. First of all, it concerns the users of social networks, who must understand their responsibility in that they are directly responsible for stability in society and for the non-proliferation of false information.” Social Media Restrictions for Minors The conversation on regulating online content has also reached Kazakhstan’s Parliament, where Mazhilis deputy, Zharkynbek Amantayuly recently submitted a request to the Prime Minister proposing restrictions on social media use by minors. Amantayuly referenced models in countries such as China, South Korea, France, the United States, and Australia, where age-based limitations are legally enforced, arguing that Kazakhstan should adopt similar laws to regulate minors’ access to social networks and online games. Telegram Under Global Scrutiny Telegram has come under fire in several countries over its resistance to content moderation. In August 2024, the platform’s founder Pavel Durov was briefly detained at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on suspicions ranging from terrorism to drug trafficking and child exploitation. Durov was released, but French authorities...

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Kandas Resettlement Rises as Kazakhstan Boosts Integration Efforts

Since the beginning of 2025, 3,203 ethnic Kazakhs have returned to their historical homeland and officially received received the status of Kandas. In total, since gaining independence in 1991, more than 1.15 million ethnic Kazakhs have resettled in Kazakhstan for permanent residence. The Times of Central Asia examines who today’s Kandas are and how their integration and resettlement are being managed. Geography of Return According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, nearly half (48.1%) of all Kandas arriving in Kazakhstan in 2025 have come from China. This is followed by ethnic Kazakhs from Uzbekistan (39.5%), Turkmenistan (5.8%), Mongolia (2.5%), Russia (1.9%), and other countries (2.2%). As of April 1, 2025, 60.7% of new arrivals are of working age, 31.1% are minors, and 8.2% are pensioners. Regarding educational background, 17.9% hold higher education degrees, 27.8% have specialized secondary education, 52.9% have general secondary education, and 1.4% have no formal education. Resettlement and Regional Priorities Kandas are being resettled across the country, with labor-deficient regions prioritized. These include Akmola, Abay, Kostanay, Pavlodar, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan, East Kazakhstan, and North Kazakhstan. The quota for 2025 in these regions stands at 2,309 people, with 642 already resettled by early April. Since the start of the year, 147 Kandas have received various forms of state support, and 94 of them have secured permanent employment. State Support and Economic Mobility The government offers a range of support measures, including a one-time relocation subsidy of 70 Monthly Calculated Indexes (MRP), or approximately $527 per family member. Additionally, monthly payments for rent and utilities ranging from 15 to 30 MRPs ($113-$226) are provided for up to one year. To enhance economic mobility, the Kandas can receive up to $8,600 per family, covering up to 50% of housing costs, for home purchases, construction, or mortgage down payments. Homes bought with these funds cannot be sold for five years, nor can they be transferred among close relatives, to prevent misuse. Since 2025, all services related to quotas and support have been moved online. According to Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Yertaev Askarbek Ertaev, this transition aims to minimize corruption and strengthen oversight of compliance with program conditions. A new tracking system within the “Labor Market” information platform monitors movements of displaced persons. Unauthorized departure from the designated resettlement region requires repayment of financial aid through a pre-trial process. Adaptation and integration centers were launched in 2024 in Pavlodar, East Kazakhstan, Akmola, and Abay. In 2025, Kostanay and North Kazakhstan joined this list. Full support is now available via the mobile app “FSM Social” (Fund for Social Payments), covering everything from adaptation to employment services. Among recent innovations is a simplified procedure for verifying Kazakh ethnic identity. To date, 13 applications have been reviewed, 9 approved and 4 denied. Program Development and Future Outlook In 2024, around 9,500 resettlement quotas were allocated, with 2,477 used by Kandas and 4,500 by internal migrants. The Ministry plans to increase the annual quota by 500 people moving...

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Tokayev Warns of Rising Extremism and Erosion of Global Norms at Assembly Speech

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has warned of a global resurgence of extremist ideologies and populist rhetoric, citing a crisis of confidence that has weakened international law and institutions. Speaking at the 34th session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK), Tokayev addressed both foreign and domestic challenges facing the country, while emphasizing the importance of national unity and interethnic harmony. “We have become a more modern and advanced society. This evolution places new demands on our model of social harmony. Methods that worked yesterday may no longer be applicable today,” Tokayev said in his address, urging a critical review of past achievements and failures to avoid regression. Highlighting Kazakhstan’s foundational principles, Tokayev reaffirmed that “consent, tolerance, and friendship” are not mere slogans but integral to daily life. “The politicization of interethnic and interfaith relations is unacceptable. The state guarantees justice and equal opportunity for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social status,” he stressed. He also condemned attempts to impose language norms in personal and public communication. “Everyone is equal before the law. We will decisively suppress any provocation aimed at undermining interethnic harmony, no matter the source,” Tokayev stated. He accused some foreign-funded organizations, bloggers, and former citizens living abroad of deliberately inciting discord under the guise of promoting human rights and freedom of speech. According to Tokayev, recent revelations concerning the operations of some foreign NGOs exposed their “cynicism, greed, and indifference” to Kazakhstan’s welfare. On foreign policy, Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s strategic alliance with Russia and historical ties with China. He expressed concern over the global retreat into extremism and the weakening of key institutions. “There is a return to extremist ideologies and populism, a surge in radical rhetoric, and an erosion of international law. In this context, Kazakhstan continues to advocate for adherence to and reform of the UN Charter,” he said. Tokayev stressed the need for global unity, compromise, and mutual understanding to prevent chaos. “For some, ethnic diversity may be a source of risk and mistrust. For us, it is a national asset and strategic advantage,” he said. “Unity, dialogue, mutual trust, and civic responsibility are essential pillars for the sustainable progress of our nation.”

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Kazakhstan to Permit Industrial Hemp Cultivation

Kazakhstan will legalize the cultivation of industrial hemp, with the measure already approved by the Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament. The provision is part of a draft law aimed at eliminating unnecessary regulation of internal affairs bodies. Vice Minister of Internal Affairs Sanzhar Adilov confirmed the development during a parliamentary session. According to Adilov, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has already issued four licenses for the cultivation of technical cannabis. The new regulation is designed to enable the use of industrial hemp in manufacturing sectors such as paper, textiles, and construction materials. Industrial Use, Not for Intoxication During discussions in the Mazhilis, some deputies raised concerns about whether the cultivation of hemp might attract drug users or traffickers. Addressing these fears, Adilov emphasized the stark chemical differences between industrial and wild cannabis. “Wild-growing marijuana in the Chui Valley contains more than 15% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while industrial hemp contains just 0.1% to 0.3% THC,” he explained. “As a police officer, I can say this production holds no interest for drug users or traffickers. Industrial hemp cultivation is not prohibited by law.” Adilov noted that one farm in the Kostanay region is already engaged in the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp under one of the existing licenses. Revisiting an Old Idea The concept of using hemp for industrial purposes, particularly in paper production, has been circulating in Kazakhstan for more than a decade. However, past initiatives were not government-led. Roughly ten years ago, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken” proposed utilizing hemp to reduce Kazakhstan’s dependency on imported office paper, which costs the country an estimated $100 million annually. Although the proposal was backed by Dariga Nazarbayeva, then Deputy Prime Minister and the eldest daughter of former President Nursultan Nazarbayev, it failed to gain broader government support at the time. Now, with the government itself spearheading the effort, the project is being revived with stronger institutional backing. The entire cultivation and processing cycle of industrial hemp will be monitored by anti-narcotics authorities to ensure regulatory compliance and security.

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Belarus and Kazakhstan Strengthen Military Cooperation

The Defense Ministries of Belarus and Kazakhstan have made strides to deepen their military cooperation. This was confirmed during an official visit to Kazakhstan by the Chief of the General Staff of the Belarusian Armed Forces and First Deputy Defense Minister, Pavel Muraveiko. Muraveiko held negotiations with Kazakhstan's Defense Minister, Ruslan Zhaksylykov, and Lieutenant General Sultan Kamaletdinov, First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of Kazakhstan's Armed Forces. The discussions focused on the current state of military collaboration, with both sides identifying paths to increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Both Belarusian and Kazakhstani representatives reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening relations and noted the momentum of their defense sector cooperation. Significant emphasis was placed on exploring mutually beneficial projects and enhancing military capabilities via the exchange of knowledge. Muraveiko's visit also included a tour of key military institutions in Kazakhstan, namely the National Defense University and the Center for Military-Strategic Research. The visit follows a major diplomatic spat in August 2024, when Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Belarusian Ambassador following critical comments made by the Belarusian President. Lukashenko's remarks on Kazakhstan’s reliance on Russia for support, alongside perceived criticism of its foreign policy, sparked a rebuke from Kazakhstan, which emphasized its balanced, peaceful approach and adherence to international norms. The incident reflected broader post-Soviet frictions, with both nations historically sharing close ties through regional bodies like the EAEU and CIS. Further complicating matters, Lukashenko's comments at the time also antagonized Armenia, leading to protests at the Belarusian Embassy in Yerevan, and underscoring regional discord.