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10 Jul 2025

Home, Justice, Kazakhstan Justice, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

Tackling Corruption in Kazakhstan: The Latest Trends

July 10, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, anti-corruption efforts are a cornerstone of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s agenda. Court-ordered funds confiscated from corrupt officials have been used to finance public infrastructure: over the past three years, 150 billion tenge have been allocated to build 89 schools. On June 30, Tokayev signed a decree dissolving the country’s standalone Anti-Corruption Agency and transferring its functions to the National Security Committee (NSC), in what officials described as a move to modernize and streamline public administration.

A recent analysis by Ranking.kz sheds light on the latest trends, identifying the institutions most often entangled in scandals and criminal investigations.

Corruption Reaches Across All Levels

Between January and May 2025, the Kazakh authorities charged 640 individuals with corruption-related offenses, representing a 3% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. However, the number of identified offenders rose to 464, up 4.3% from 445 last year.

During the same period, 405 individuals were referred to the courts, an increase of 9.2% year-on-year. The largest number of defendants were employees of Akimats and their subordinate departments, totaling 66 individuals, though this figure is one-third lower than in 2024. In addition, 49 police officers, 16 employees from the Ministry of Finance, 11 from the Ministry of Agriculture, and 7 from the Criminal Executive Committee under the Ministry of Internal Affairs were brought to court.

Notably, three regional akims were among those referred to court this year, compared to just one in the same period last year. One judge was also prosecuted. In total, 57 individuals from 12 different ministries faced judicial proceedings, up slightly from 54 last year. However, the data does not encompass all divisions; for instance, the figures for the Ministry of Internal Affairs include only selected departments.

Bribery Remains the Most Common Offense

Bribery continues to be the most prevalent form of corruption, with 167 recorded cases in the first five months of 2025, a 27.5% increase from the previous year. Internal affairs personnel were the most frequently detained for bribery (22 cases), followed by local government officials (13 cases) and employees of the Ministry of Finance (9 cases).

In terms of the number of individuals involved, bribery accounted for 99 people. Corruption-related fraud followed, with 71 cases documented, rounding out the top three categories of offenses.

Kazakhstan in Global Perspective

Kazakhstan ranked 88th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International, scoring 40 out of 100. This position is shared with North Macedonia, Suriname, and Vietnam. The index, based on assessments from organizations such as the World Bank and the World Economic Forum, ranks countries from 0 (most corrupt) to 100 (least corrupt).

According to the same report, 17% of Kazakhstani citizens who accessed public services in the previous year admitted to paying bribes. By way of comparison, in Denmark and Finland, the top-ranked countries, only 1% of citizens reported such experiences.

Within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Kazakhstan ranks third, behind Armenia (63rd) and Moldova (77th). However, everyday corruption is reportedly more widespread in both countries, affecting 19% of service users in Armenia and 22% in Moldova.

Other regional rankings include Ukraine (105th), Belarus (114th), Uzbekistan (121st), and Kyrgyzstan (146th). Russia and Azerbaijan are tied at 153rd, followed by Tajikistan (164th) and Turkmenistan (165th).

10 Jul 2025

International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan and China Boost Rail Trade via Middle Corridor Agreement

July 10, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan and China have signed a renewed strategic agreement to strengthen rail connectivity and increase freight volumes along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor.

At a ceremony in Beijing, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) and China State Railway Group concluded a new Agreement on Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation, replacing the framework established in 2014. The updated agreement reflects evolving priorities in railway transport and logistics between the two countries.

According to KTZ, the agreement aims to reinforce Kazakhstan’s role as a key logistics hub between East and West and expand the Middle Corridor’s capacity as an alternative trade route linking China and Europe.

Surging Freight Volumes and Strategic Exports

Rail freight between China and Kazakhstan continues to grow rapidly. From January to May 2025, cargo volumes reached 14.2 million tons, an 11% increase compared to the same period last year. Grain exports, in particular, surged by 46% to 1.6 million tons, underscoring Kazakhstan’s expanding role not only as a transit state but also as a supplier of strategic commodities such as agricultural products and raw materials.

This growth aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader economic goals of trade diversification and regional integration.

Zhetysu Terminal: A Key Infrastructure Milestone

A critical component of the strengthened transport network is the Zhetysu container terminal in Almaty, inaugurated on June 10. Jointly developed by Kazakhstan and China, the terminal is expected to serve as a central logistics hub for the consolidation and distribution of Chinese cargo transported via rail and road.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the terminal is positioned to become a key platform for transshipment along the TITR, further enhancing its competitiveness as a vital link in East-West trade flows.

Strategic Implications for the Region

As Kazakhstan accelerates transport infrastructure modernization and strengthens rail cooperation with China, the newly signed agreement is anticipated to deliver long-term benefits for regional connectivity, supply chain resilience, and Eurasian trade corridors.

The enhanced focus on the Middle Corridor comes amid global efforts to diversify trade routes and reduce dependence on traditional corridors through Russia, reinforcing the geopolitical and economic significance of Kazakhstan’s transport strategy.

10 Jul 2025

Justice, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Justice

Uzbekistan Rejects UN Allegations in Gulnara Karimova Case

July 10, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

The government of Uzbekistan has formally rejected allegations by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concerning the case of Gulnara Karimova, the eldest daughter of the country’s late president, Islam Karimov. The UN body had earlier declared that Karimova’s 2014 detention was arbitrary and lacked a legal basis.

In a response published by Uzbekistan’s National Center for Human Rights, the government asserted that all criminal proceedings against Karimova were conducted in full compliance with national legislation and international obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“The government is concerned that the Working Group formed its opinion based on one-sided and subjective information provided by the source, while Uzbekistan’s official response was not taken into account due to procedural deadlines,” the statement read. “This approach undermines the principles of impartiality that UN bodies must observe.”

Legal Process and Rights of the Defendant

According to the statement, Karimova had access to legal counsel throughout the legal process. She retained the right to choose or be appointed a lawyer, to review case materials, to appeal court decisions, and to consult privately with her legal representative.

The government rejected claims that she had been subjected to extended house arrest without due process or that she faced a so-called “kitchen trial.” Officials maintained that all procedures and hearings were held lawfully. “At present, she has the right to appeal court decisions as provided by law,” the statement noted.

Authorities also dismissed any suggestion that the prosecution was politically motivated. “All actions by law enforcement and judicial authorities were based solely on legal and factual grounds confirming the defendant’s guilt, and were unrelated to her economic activities, political status, or views,” the statement read.

Karimova was convicted of tax evasion, money laundering, illegal appropriation of state property, fraud, and other serious crimes. According to the government, these actions resulted in significant financial losses to the state. Officials stated that all verdicts were supported by evidence and issued by competent courts.

International Cooperation and Asset Repatriation

The statement also drew attention to the 2022 agreement between Uzbekistan and Switzerland to establish the Vision 2030 Fund, financed by assets previously associated with Karimova. The fund supports Uzbekistan’s national reform agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals and is administered through the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

In closing, the government reaffirmed its commitment to international human rights obligations and expressed its willingness to maintain constructive dialogue with UN mechanisms. “The government reserves the right to defend its reputation in international institutions and to convey reliable information to all interested parties,” the statement concluded.

10 Jul 2025

Environment, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Environment

Almosi Valley in Tajikistan Recognized as Global Agricultural Heritage Site

July 10, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

The Almosi mountain valley in Tajikistan’s Gissar district has been designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The decision was announced on July 8 during a meeting of the FAO’s Scientific Advisory Group.

A Milestone for Central Asia

Tajikistan is now the first country in the post-Soviet space to have one of its agricultural landscapes recognized by the GIAHS program. Until now, only 12 agroecosystems across five European nations, Austria, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Andorra, had received such recognition. Tajikistan’s inclusion marks a significant acknowledgment of Central Asia’s rich agricultural legacy and its global relevance.

GIAHS sites are selected not only for their scenic beauty but also for their enduring agricultural practices and deep-rooted human-nature interaction. According to FAO materials, these systems demonstrate high levels of agrobiodiversity, sustainable production, centuries-old agricultural knowledge, and strong community ties to the environment.

Almosi exemplifies these values. In its mountainous terrain, farmers engage in transhumant sheep herding and the cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, vegetables, and the prized pink Taifi grape, used for raisins, syrups, juice, and wine. The valley is also home to the Gissar sheep breed, developed for resilience in high-altitude conditions.

Preserving Tradition and Biodiversity

Agriculture in Almosi relies on traditional techniques, including contour planting, organic fertilization, and irrigation through ancient canal systems. Farmers monitor natural indicators to optimize water use and adapt to climatic shifts, ensuring both productivity and environmental preservation.

Community organization is another hallmark of the Almosi model. Farming is managed through mahalla committees, cooperatives, family farms, and even remnants of collective farming structures. This supports intergenerational knowledge transfer, shared resource management, and social cohesion.

GIAHS designation not only affirms Almosi’s global agricultural significance but also opens avenues for sustainable development. Opportunities include eco-tourism, enhanced agricultural investment, and broader recognition of Tajikistan’s rural heritage.

With new entries from Tajikistan, South Korea, and Portugal, the GIAHS network now includes 99 recognized systems in 29 countries. Almosi stands as the first in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a testament to the region’s enduring agricultural traditions and its capacity for innovation grounded in history.

10 Jul 2025

Environment, Kazakhstan Environment, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Builds Saxaul Nursery on Dried Aral Seabed

July 10, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan is ramping up its ambitious afforestation efforts on the dried bed of the Aral Sea, with the establishment of a new saxaul nursery in the Kyzylorda region. Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev recently visited the site to inspect progress on the project.

Located directly on the former seabed, the nursery is designed to cultivate saxaul shrubs-hardy, drought-resistant plants well-adapted to the region’s arid conditions. Drilling work is currently underway to construct a well that will provide essential irrigation. Once operational, the 15-hectare facility is expected to produce 1.5 million saxaul saplings annually. Growing the saplings locally will help reduce transportation costs and improve survival rates by acclimating plants to local soil and climate conditions.

Reclaiming a Devastated Landscape

Kazakhstan’s large-scale planting initiative aims to restore parts of the Aral ecosystem, which was devastated by Soviet-era irrigation policies. Once the world’s fourth-largest inland sea, the Aral spanned 68,000 square kilometers and straddled the border between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Starting in the 1960s, massive water diversion from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers for cotton farming caused the sea to shrink dramatically. By 2007, the Aral had dwindled to just 10% of its original size.

In addition to the new nursery, Nyssanbayev visited an existing saxaul facility in Kazalinsk, located in the Kyzylorda region. This nursery began operations in November 2024, initially sowing seeds across 10 hectares with a capacity to produce up to 3 million saplings. As of 2025, planting has expanded to 11,800 hectares of the dried seabed.

According to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Kazakhstan aims to afforest 1.1 million hectares of the dried Aral seabed with saxaul. From 2021 to 2024, 475,000 hectares were afforested, including 127,000 hectares in 2024 alone. In 2025, the government plans to plant saxaul on an additional 428,000 hectares.

By the end of 2025, Kazakhstan expects saxaul forests to cover approximately 40% of its portion of the dried Aral seabed.

10 Jul 2025

International Affairs, Tajikistan International Affairs, Tajikistan

Tajikistan Gives Afghan Refugees 15 Days to Leave

July 10, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Tajikistan has launched a large-scale campaign to detain and deport Afghan refugees, giving them just 15 days to leave the country. The move, reported by Afghanistan’s Khaama Press and confirmed by the UN refugee agency UNHCR, has sparked fear and confusion among thousands of Afghans in Tajikistan, including many with valid residency permits or official asylum documentation.

According to Khaama Press, detentions have intensified in recent days, particularly around Vahdat township and Rudaki district near the capital, Dushanbe. Afghan men are reportedly being arrested in large numbers, often directly from their workplaces, with little to no warning or opportunity to contact family members.

The deportation order is believed to affect thousands of Afghans, including individuals legally residing in Tajikistan while awaiting resettlement to countries such as Canada. Many are former civil servants, military personnel, or others affiliated with the pre-Taliban Afghan government who fled after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Human rights advocates warn that forced repatriation could expose them to immediate danger

UNHCR Condemnation and International Concerns

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has expressed deep concern over Tajikistan’s actions. In January 2025, UNHCR urged Dushanbe to cease deportations after confirming that at least 80 Afghan refugees were forcibly returned in December 2024, despite holding UN-issued refugee documents.

UNHCR stated that these deportations violate international protection obligations and risk exposing vulnerable individuals to persecution, detention, or violence in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

As of late 2024, approximately 9,000 Afghan refugees were officially registered in Tajikistan. With the new 15-day ultimatum and ongoing arrests, many more are now at risk. Refugee advocates report that detentions are being carried out indiscriminately, often without regard for legal status.

Part of a Wider Regional Crackdown

Tajikistan’s campaign mirrors broader regional trends. In recent months, both Iran and Pakistan have undertaken mass deportations of Afghan nationals. Human rights organizations have documented widespread reports of abuse, intimidation, and even killings of returnees by Taliban forces.

Observers warn that options for Afghan refugees are rapidly diminishing. Resettlement programs remain slow, and few countries have opened new asylum pathways. As a result, thousands of displaced Afghans across Central and South Asia face a stark choice: live under constant threat of arrest and expulsion or return to a homeland where persecution may await.