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2024: Sentence - 8 years in prison for bribes
The Interdistrict Criminal Court of Shymkent sentenced Makzhan Myrzaseitov, the former head of the Department of Digitalization, Provision of Public Services and Archives of the Turkestan Region, to 8 years in prison for taking bribes. This was reported on June 12, 2024 by the Kazakhstani Internet portal Ratel.kz.
According to the case file, Myrzaseitov was found guilty of taking bribes from businessman Erkin Isakov, the owner of an Internet company, for helping to win tenders to digitally meet the needs of district and city akimats. The investigation established that the bribes received by Myrzaseitov amounted to more than 12 million tenge.
Aidos Maulen, the former chief of staff of the akim of Otyrar district, was also found guilty of taking bribes. However, he was cleared of punishment in connection with his death during the trial. Almas Zholseitov, who served as head of the Tolebi district department, received 4 years in prison for fraud and complicity in bribery. Erkin Isakov was sentenced to 7 years in prison for repeatedly giving bribes.
According to the Ratel.kz, the tenders in which Isakov participated were held in 2022-2023 and covered digitalization services totaling about 50 million tenge. Isakov won them thanks to the support of Myrzaseitov, who oversaw these programs.
Myrzaseitov did not admit his guilt, stating that his business relationship with Isakov was legal. He claimed that Isakov's company won tenders due to high-quality and profitable offers. He also mentioned that he sold computers and office equipment to the businessman, which explained the amounts of money received.
Zholseitov also denied the allegations, saying he received money for selling racehorses rather than bribes.
According to Ratel.kz, despite the excuses of the accused, the court considered the charges proven and issued the relevant sentences. According to the judge, this case highlights the importance of fighting corruption in state structures and the need for strict control over the conduct of tenders.[1]