The specialized inter-district criminal court in Shymkent is currently hearing the case of former deputy akim Maxut Isakhov, who is accused of bribery. On March 19th, during the second hearing, the first deputy head of the National Security Committee was interrogated, to whom $200,000 were allegedly intended. The trial is being conducted in an open manner, with witnesses being questioned throughout the day.
Former Deputy Head of the National Security Committee, Manap Sarbasov, testified first. He, who is also under investigation for a separate case involving abuse of power, appeared as a witness in Isakhov's case. Sarbasov mentioned that he was not familiar with the case details and was not prepared to answer questions. Despite his request to be questioned on another day, the judge denied it and the state prosecutor immediately asked him to recount the circumstances of the case.
Sarbasov detailed how Isakhov allegedly approached him for meetings after learning about the criminal case against him. Sarbasov initiated covert investigative measures after informing his superiors. He described a meeting with Isakhov where the latter proposed a tender, followed by a request for $100,000, which was later increased to $200,000. Sarbasov claimed Isakhov even devised the location and a codeword for the bribe exchange.
Isakhov, on the other hand, denies all accusations, attributing them to personal animosity from Sarbasov for not fulfilling a request made three years ago. Isakhov's defense insists that the case is based on falsified documents and is unlawful. Isakhov was arrested on July 20, 2023, and the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan confirmed his detention.
On February 26th, during a preliminary hearing, Isakhov's defense requested a change in his detention status due to his poor health, which was not confirmed during proceedings. Additionally, they sought to have the case transferred to a court in another region, but their requests were dismissed. Isakhov, aged 50, held the position of Deputy Akim of Shymkent since February 2020. He was born on January 23, 1974, in the Shardarinsky district of the Turkestan region in Kazakhstan.
