On March 20th, in Shymkent, the commander of a patrol police company was arrested on suspicion of extortion and bribery. Azamat Aimbetov, who had previously exposed his own boss two years ago, was confirmed as the individual by the detained's lawyer. The Shymkent Police Department initiated a criminal case based on reports from city residents regarding extortion and bribery involving the patrol police commander through intermediaries.
Meanwhile, lawyer Talgat Yesimov stated that the defense is being conducted within the framework of criminal procedural legislation. He emphasized that their goal is to uphold the rights of the suspect without trying to either clear or tarnish Azamat Aimbetov's reputation during the pre-trial investigation.
"Yes, Azamat Aimbetov was detained. After a series of investigative measures, Aimbetov was arrested and placed in a pre-trial detention center. We have provided proper defense within the criminal procedural legislation. Everyone is equal before the law, so if a crime was committed, there will be corresponding punishment within the bounds of the law," said Talgat Yesimov.
Azamat Aimbetov gained nationwide fame in Kazakhstan two years ago when he publicly addressed the President of Kazakhstan and the Minister of Internal Affairs in January 2022. He accused his boss, Mukhtar Bukharbayev, of forcing him to purchase expensive items such as furniture and equipment.
By February of the same year, it was revealed that a pre-trial investigation was being conducted against the former head of the Local Police Service of the Shymkent Police Department. This information was confirmed by the Anti-Corruption Service.
In September 2022, a court issued a verdict in this case. Mukhtar Bukharbayev was sentenced to seven years in a high-security prison and was permanently banned from working in public service and law enforcement agencies.