Former Kazakh Deputy Minister detained in Astana over corruption allegations

Authorities in Astana have detained Adilbek Sarsembayev, the former Deputy Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development of Kazakhstan.

The 47-year-old is being investigated under Article 361 of the Kazakh Criminal Code, which covers abuse of official powers, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Law enforcement attention on Sarsembayev emerged during a major corruption probe linked to the procurement of military equipment, which allegedly caused state losses of 600 million tenge (around $ 1,2 million). 

The case is being handled by Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM).

Reports indicate that Sarsembayev had planned to leave Kazakhstan on December 12, with the intention of travelling to the United Arab Emirates.

By Aghakazim Guliyev