In a recent ruling by the inter-district criminal court in Astana, four executives of the branches of AO "QazTemirTrans" and 16 entrepreneurs were sentenced for corruption. The court found the individuals guilty of receiving bribes in significant amounts repeatedly. The case involved the systematic acceptance of bribes from cargo shippers in exchange for the smooth provision of wagons and overall patronage. A total of 18 instances of bribery were uncovered in the case.
The amounts of bribes received were substantial, with the total sums being 13.1 million tenge for one individual, 3.5 million tenge for another, and 19.7 million tenge for a third. One entrepreneur was found guilty of giving a bribe amounting to 9,879,000 tenge for the provision of wagons, classified as a large sum. The guilt of the defendants was supported by testimonies from bribe givers, payment receipts, wagon request forms, as well as materials from special investigative measures and covert investigative actions.
The court's decision involved sentencing the guilty parties to imprisonment ranging from seven years to seven years and two months, taking into account mitigating circumstances such as sincere remorse and having minor or underage children. One individual was sentenced to a fine amounting to five times the sum of the bribe due to exceptional circumstances. Additionally, all convicted individuals were handed a lifelong ban on holding positions related to corruption offenses.
Furthermore, fifteen bribe givers, representing small and medium-sized businesses, were acquitted due to active repentance. The court acknowledged their dependence on the officials of AO "QazTemirTrans," as well as their cooperation, genuine remorse, and assistance in uncovering and investigating the crimes. It is noted that the court ruling is not final and can be appealed.
Earlier in December 2022, it was reported that a criminal scheme of illegal enrichment by officials of AO "QazTemirTrans," the largest freight wagon operator in Kazakhstan, had been exposed and disrupted.
