Kazakhstan’s Security Committee breaks silence on ex-migration chief’s detention

Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee (KNB) has confirmed that a pre-trial investigation is underway following reports that Yerbol Makhmetov, the former head of the Migration Service Department of the Astana Police Department, was detained.

Reports recently circulated in Kazakh media and on social media alleging that Makhmetov had been detained over possible involvement in a criminal case concerning Aliya Makayeva, deputy head of the Migration Service Department of the Astana Police Department.

Responding to an inquiry about Makhmetov’s reported detention, the KNB press service declined to provide further details.

“Other information, in accordance with Part 1 of Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code, is not subject to disclosure,” the KNB press service said.

The committee did not clarify whether Makhmetov’s reported detention is connected to the criminal case involving Makayeva.

Makayeva was detained in early August as part of a criminal case. Reports that subsequently emerged online alleged that she was suspected of organising illegal migration. The investigation was also reportedly linked to the unlawful issuance of residence permits to foreign nationals.

By Jeyhun Aghazada