Kazakhstan, Astana, Feb.23 /Trend T.Nurmagambetov/
Former akims of Zhanaozen in Mangistau region of Kazakhstan accused of embezzling 188 million tenge ($1.2 million) allocated for the construction of a 200-apartment building, said spokesman of the agency of Kazakhstan for Fighting Economic Crimes and Corruption Murad Zhumanbay.
"Agency investigated criminal cases against former akims of Zhanaozen - Babahanov and Sarbopeev who are accused of embezzling 188 million tenge of budget funds allocated for the construction of a 200-apartment house. Babakhanov and Sarbopeev were arrested. Other information isn't revealed due to the interest of investigation" Zhumanbay said at a news briefing on Thursday.
Earlier, former akim of Zhanaozen Orak Sarbopeev was charged for embezzling 109 million tenge (over $730 thousand) and abuse of office. Sarbopeev was accused of embezzling of funds allocated for social and economic support to population and oil and gas industry workers of Zhanaozen through Zhanashyr and Zharylkau public funds, by prior agreement with the former Governor of the city Zhalgas Babahanov, director of the Fund of social protection and support of the population Zhanarshyr Nurbergen Borsanov , director of public fund of social protection and support of the population Zharylkau Keldibay Sansyzbaev, deputy director of KMG Vladimir Miroshnikov and others.
Mass riots hit the Kazakh oil city of Zhanaozen in Mangystau region on Dec.16. According to the Kazakh General Attorney Office, 14 people were killed as a result and 64 injured by fire. Buildings and cars were burned and the property of individuals and institutions destroyed. A state of emergency was imposed in Zhanaozen from Dec.17 to Jan 30. The riots were preceded by many months of oil companies' employees striking over dissatisfaction with their wages.