Alleged theft of 500 million tenge by ex-health minister under investigation
Latest Developments:Former Deputy Health Minister Olzhas Abishev is currently under investigation for allegedly embezzling 500 million tenge designated for the creation of an information system. A court order has remanded Abishev in custody as the probe continues.
According to the Financial Monitoring Committee Chairman, Zhantay Elimanov, this isn't an isolated incident. The suspect has been accused of misappropriating over 1.6 billion tenge (approximately $3.5 million) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of a broader scandal unfolding in Kazakhstan's healthcare system.
In fact, this case is part of a larger crackdown on corruption in pandemic-related spending, targeting not only individuals but also companies like Labirem and Active Management. This ongoing investigation draws attention to systemic corruption within Kazakhstan's healthcare procurement systems.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's administration has made significant efforts toward anti-corruption reforms since the January 2022 unrest, and these high-level prosecutions are a testament to their intentions. However, for the investigations to deliver a strong message, it's crucial that the judicial processes remain transparent to avoid perceptions of selective justice.
While I don't have more recent updates beyond my knowledge cutoff in 2023, you can find the latest news on outlets like Tengrinews, Zakon.kz, or Kaztag. Monitor statements from the Anti-Corruption Agency or General Prosecutor’s Office for updates on the case. Keep in mind that corruption trials in Kazakhstan can take months to years to conclude, depending on their complexity.
- The Financial Monitoring Committee Chairman, Zhantay Elimanov, has stated that the current investigation into former Deputy Health Minister Olzhas Abishev isn't an isolated incident.
- Elimanov alleged that Abishev misappropriated over 1.6 billion tenge (approximately $3.5 million) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- This case is part of a larger crackdown on corruption in pandemic-related spending, also targeting companies like Labirem and Active Management.
- The Ministry of Health and Wellness in Kazakhstan has allocated funds to support science and healthcare, yet investigations like these draw attention to systemic corruption within Kazakhstan's healthcare procurement systems.
