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Criminal Investigation

Olympic Boxing Champion Serik Sapiyev Assaulted by Deputy

A criminal case has been opened in Kazakhstan following the assault of Olympic boxing champion Serik Sapiyev by his deputy, Dauren Esimkhanov, in the Karaganda region’s Department of Physical Culture and Sports. The incident has triggered public outcry and intensified scrutiny of internal dynamics within the regional sports administration. Sapiyev, who currently heads the department, stated that the altercation was work-related. While the regional administration urged the public and media not to draw premature conclusions, it acknowledged that Esimkhanov had committed an offense and must be held accountable. A native of Karaganda, Sapiyev rose to prominence after winning gold in the 69 kg weight category at the 2012 London Olympics, where he was also awarded the Val Barker Trophy for most technical boxer. A two-time world amateur champion and two-time Asian champion, Sapiyev retired from professional boxing in 2012. He launched a political career the following year, becoming a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 2013 and later serving as a deputy in the Mazhilis, Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament, in 2017. In 2018, Sapiyev stepped down from parliament to lead the Committee on Sports and Physical Culture under the Ministry of Culture and Sports. He left the ministry in 2021 and, in late 2024, assumed his current position in Karaganda. The altercation reportedly took place on January 21 at a sports complex in Karaganda and was confirmed by local police. The Karaganda Region Police Department announced a criminal case based on a statement from the 42-year-old Sapiyev, citing grounds of assault. Esimkhanov, a sambo champion with accolades at both the Asian and world levels, has not denied involvement. Sapiyev addressed the incident on Instagram, asserting that the conflict stemmed from attempts to interfere with staffing decisions in the region's sports institutions without his knowledge. “I want to clarify: what happened was not a personal or domestic conflict, but rather resistance from certain individuals who have unofficial influence in the region,” Sapiyev wrote. “Without my knowledge, an attempt was made to illegally rotate the heads of sports organizations in the region. When I discovered this, I tried to stop it peacefully. I want to openly state that no provocations will shake my determination to implement systemic reforms in Kazakhstani sports, which the head of state has repeatedly spoken about.” In response, Esimkhanov claimed on social media that misinformation was being spread. “Currently, information that does not reflect the objective reality is being circulated. I ask you not to succumb to provocations and attempts to destabilize the situation by unscrupulous individuals,” he wrote. Ermaganbet Bulekpaev, the Akim of the Karaganda region, whose office oversees the department, called for caution and restraint while the investigation is underway. He confirmed that the Department for Civil Service Affairs will conduct a full inquiry, including a comprehensive audit of the department’s operations. “There has been a violation, and responsibility must be taken for it,” Bulekpaev stated during a staff meeting. “An investigation is underway, and each action will be given a legal assessment.” The scandal comes on...

Crime

Brutal Assault on Kazakh Politician Raises Questions

Nurlan Baigaziev, a local politician in the Ili district in the Almaty region, has been brutally beaten in Taraz, according to reports that quickly spread across social media and were subsequently confirmed by law enforcement authorities. Incident Details Police confirmed that the incident occurred on the evening of May 13 at a local café. Baigaziev, who sustained facial injuries, was taken to a hospital but declined further treatment. The Zhambyl region police stated that a pre-trial investigation has been launched under Part 1 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code (hooliganism). An individual identified as being involved in the attack has been detained, and investigators are working to determine all the circumstances surrounding the case. Background and Possible Motives Social media reports indicate that Baigaziev was in Taraz on a business trip, purportedly meeting with clients in his capacity as a lawyer. Some accounts suggest that the assailant used brass knuckles during the attack. However, the exact motives remain unclear. This incident comes on the heels of an earlier controversy involving Baigaziev. On April 28, a video circulated online showing juvenile police officers in the Almaty region stopping a 17-year-old girl and offering her a ride in an official vehicle. Baigaziev, who publicly criticized the police for what he described as an abuse of power, attracted widespread attention. The fallout from that video led to the dismissal of one officer and the removal of another. Related Incidents Notably, attacks on officials in Kazakhstan are not uncommon. For example, on April 21, Ruslan Berdenov, the deputy mayor of Shymkent, was seriously injured near the city administration building when an assailant fired shots with a Saiga-12 shotgun. The attacker, identified as 30-year-old Zhiinbai Yernar Zhiinbaiuly, was detained at the scene following the intervention of Berdenov’s driver, and a criminal case has been opened on charges of attempted murder. The investigation into that incident remains ongoing.

Women's rights

Almaty University Criticized After Female Students Told to Bow to Men

A controversy has erupted at the Kazakh National Pedagogical University (KazNPU) in Almaty after first-year female students were instructed to bow to men during an orientation session. The incident, which triggered widespread criticism, has drawn sharp condemnation on social media and reignited debates about gender roles in Kazakhstani society. According to social media posts, female students were gathered in an auditorium where they were shown a video containing behavioral "recommendations." In the footage, men of varying ages advised young women on how to conduct themselves in public, including avoiding revealing clothing, refraining from loud speech, and bowing to men as a sign of respect. The online response was overwhelmingly critical: “I am for modesty, but bowing? I’m a guy myself, and I don’t support this.” “At this rate, it won’t just be North Korea waiting for us, but Afghanistan too. What’s next, banning women from education?” “Instead of teaching girls about their rights, financial literacy, or where to seek help, they’re being taught useless things, like how to be patient and accommodating.” “Disobedient girls are Kazakhstan’s main problem, aren’t they?” “And when will men be taught not to beat women and to respect their mothers?” The KazNPU administration released a statement in response, promising stricter oversight of educational materials used in student events: “On May 5, an educational session was held at the university to promote national values and enhance the cultural and moral awareness of students, aligned with the ethical philosophy of Abai Kunanbayev. Although similar content has not previously drawn criticism, the video shown during this session sparked a mixed reaction and significant debate. The administration acknowledges the concerns and will exercise heightened caution in selecting materials for such events going forward.” The university also stated that KazNPU is a secular institution committed to upholding students’ rights to personal choice and freedom of expression. The controversy continues to fuel discussions online, highlighting broader tensions between traditional values and contemporary views on gender and education in Kazakhstan. This is not the first time Kazakhstani universities have come under scrutiny. In February 2025, a second-year student at Nazarbayev University in Astana was detained by law enforcement after being caught secretly recording female students in a restroom. The university launched an internal investigation following a public outcry. In another incident, a guest business coach at a university in Almaty, later identified as Aika Aleami, prompted complaints after asking students to close their eyes and sing along to what appeared to be religious music. Aleami later clarified that the exercise was intended as a mindfulness technique, not a religious practice, citing its popularity in Western wellness programs.

trial

Trial Begins in Almaty for Man Who Took Airport Employee Hostage

A trial has opened in Almaty for Mashrapbek Baratov, a 67-year-old man accused of taking a female airport employee hostage and threatening to detonate a bomb inside the terminal. The incident occurred on March 7 at Almaty International Airport, where Baratov, armed with a kitchen knife, seized Botagoz Mukhtarova, a 23-year-old security screening officer. He claimed to be carrying explosives and demanded access through the security area without the proper documents. The situation was quickly defused thanks to the actions of Musa Abdraim, a bystander who had come to the airport to see off an acquaintance. Abdraim, 52, reportedly offered himself in place of the hostage and managed to disarm the attacker at a critical moment. The standoff lasted approximately seven minutes. Abdraim, a former martial artist, was later honored by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with the “Yerligi Ushin” (For Bravery) medal for his selflessness and courage. During court proceedings, further details emerged about Baratov’s background. He has been charged under Part 3, Article 293 of the Criminal Code (“Hooliganism with the use of weapons”), Paragraph 4, Part 2, Article 261 (“Hostage-taking”), and Article 273 (“Knowingly false report of an act of terrorism”). According to prosecutors, Baratov, facing financial distress, spontaneously decided to fly to another city but lacked identification and a boarding pass. When Mukhtarova stopped him during screening, he claimed there was a bomb in his backpack, showed her an old button phone, and held a knife to her neck. Testifying in court, Mukhtarova recounted the traumatic experience through tears: “He was alone. I asked for his ID and boarding pass. He said he would blow up the airport in three minutes and showed me a button phone. He grabbed me, I fell. He pulled a knife out of my pocket. I panicked and screamed. He said if anyone came close, he’d detonate the bomb.” Baratov also presented his version in court, claiming he had arrived at the airport by mistake while riding a bus and impulsively decided to fly to Astana in search of work. He admitted to grabbing Mukhtarova and feigning possession of a bomb out of fear of being shot by police. He pleaded guilty to all charges. He also stated that he suffered a concussion while serving in Afghanistan in 1981, and that each spring he experiences bouts of aggression, allegedly due to long-term brain injuries. Reports indicate that in November 2024, Baratov attacked a woman on a bus for speaking loudly on the phone. The incident has raised public concern over airport security protocols. Questions persist over how Baratov managed to bring a knife into the terminal. According to Deputy Interior Minister Sanzhar Adilov, responsibility for airport security was transferred from the transport police to aviation security services in 2009. He has since pledged to revisit the legislative amendments from that period. “There were changes in 2009. Previously, the transport police managed security. Later, this responsibility shifted to the aviation security service,” Adilov said. “We will review the legislative amendments passed then. After investigation...

Drones

Another Drone Crashes in West Kazakhstan

Another drone has crashed in Kazakhstan’s West Kazakhstan region. Local residents discovered the object near the village of Atameken, approximately 60 km north of the district center of Taskala. On March 18, the police department in Taskala District received a report about an unidentified object, believed to be a drone, found in a remote area. The device measured approximately three meters in length. Police officers, representatives of the district akimat (council), and emergency services were dispatched to the scene. The West Kazakhstan Region Police Department confirmed the discovery of an object resembling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). “The object fell in a remote area, away from populated settlements, and was found intact, with no visible damage. All circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated,” the agency stated. This marks the second case of a drone crash in the region within a month. On February 18, a similar object, measuring 120 cm in length, was discovered in the village of Uyaly in Bokeyorda District. At that time, police and emergency responders also arrived at the scene to investigate. According to analysts, the drone that crashed on February 18 bears similarities to the Crecerelle, a reconnaissance UAV developed by the French defense company Sagem. However, authorities have not yet confirmed this information. The incidents have raised concerns due to the region’s proximity to the Kapustin Yar military training ground, which is leased by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Located in Bokeyorda District, the facility occupies nearly half of the district’s territory. Meanwhile, in neighboring Russia’s Saratov region, Ukrainian drones have repeatedly targeted military facilities, including airfields and fuel storage sites. On February 17, seven drones carrying explosives and metal shrapnel attacked the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station, a facility operated by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). The recent drone crashes in West Kazakhstan region have heightened security concerns among residents and the authorities. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the drones and any potential links to military activity in the region. [caption id="attachment_29909" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: Colonel GSh Telegram channel[/caption] Posting images of its tail number, the has reported that the drone was a Russian Geran-2 (Shahed-136) kamikaze drone. > > This story has been updated to reflect breaking developments.

Oil and Gas

Ukraine’s Drone Strike on Russian Oil Hub Sparks Concerns Over Kazakhstan’s Energy Security

On February 17, seven Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) attacked an oil transportation facility of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), targeting the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station in Russia. Following the attack, reports emerged that the volume of oil pumped from Kazakhstan through the CPC could decrease by 30% for a period of one and a half to two months. Conflicting Reports on the Impact On February 18, Ukraine officially confirmed the strike. "Yesterday, the Ukrainian defense forces carried out a pinpoint strike on strategic facilities of the military and fuel and energy infrastructure of the Russian Federation... The Kropotkinskaya and Andriapol oil pumping stations, which played a key role in transporting fuel for the occupiers, were hit. After the strike, they were put out of action, significantly complicating the logistics of fuel supplies to the aggressor," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated. Shortly after, Transneft, the Russian shareholder in the CPC, warned that oil pumping volumes from Kazakhstan could drop by approximately 30% due to the damage. Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak provided an even bleaker assessment. During a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, he stated: "We see a decrease in pumping volumes by about 30 - 40% compared to levels before the drone attack." Novak estimated that restoring the CPC infrastructure would take "several months, at least," citing the need to replace damaged Western-made equipment, including Siemens gas turbines. However, later that day, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy issued a statement disputing these claims. "Currently, there are no restrictions on Kazakh oil shipments via the CPC, and acceptance is proceeding as scheduled," the ministry said. Despite this, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov framed the attack as a direct assault on Kazakhstan’s energy infrastructure. Expert Perspectives: Overreaction or Serious Threat? While officials issued conflicting statements, financial analyst Rasul Rysmambetov urged against panic. Writing on his Telegram channel ArtFinanze, he dismissed talk of a 30% reduction in pumping volumes as an "overreaction." However, he acknowledged that the attack exposed the risks of Kazakhstan’s reliance on foreign transit routes. "Geopolitical and other risks when exporting through third countries can easily double. It’s too early to panic; there are few catastrophic scenarios at this stage. But if attacks on infrastructure continue, it will become increasingly difficult to protect the underwater pipeline system, especially considering the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s recent losses. Kazakhstan’s oil facilities have been largely spared so far, but there’s no guarantee this will continue. Contrary to popular belief, the fact that companies like Chevron are involved won’t deter anyone; on the contrary, such infrastructure can be used to exert pressure on entire countries," he warned. Kazakhstan’s Dilemma: Dependence on Russian Routes While experts downplay immediate consequences, Kazakhstan’s vulnerability is undeniable. Calls to boost domestic petrochemical production to reduce dependence on foreign pipelines remain largely aspirational. Meanwhile, efforts to diversify oil export routes have yielded little progress. Currently, 93% of Kazakhstan’s oil exports pass through Russian territory, leaving the country with limited alternatives: Caspian Pipeline Consortium...