Chief Berdenov spoke about the detainment of the head architect, asserting that his appointment preceded his arrival.
In a recent development, Arman Abdeshov, the head of Shymkent's Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, has been detained by the KNB (National Security Committee) on allegations of embezzlement and misappropriation of property[1][2][3][4]. The investigation is being carried out by the KNB Anti-Corruption Agency.
This detention comes amidst a broader investigation that coincides with a high-profile trial related to an armed attack on the deputy akim and an ongoing audit of the akimat-owned company Turgyn Uy Shymkent[1].
Deputy Akim Ruslan Berdenov, who was appointed alongside Abdeshov, has denied any personal connection to him in relation to the detention[5]. Reports suggest that Berdenov had warned department employees about forthcoming inspections by anti-corruption and economic investigation bodies prior to the detention, but any direct connection remains unclear[1].
Abdeshov began his career in 2007 as an engineer in the TОO "Sym-Tas Project". He later became the technical director at the same company[6]. His tenure as the head of the architecture and urban planning department of Shymkent started from February 28, 2025[7]. Before this, he served as the head of the Taraz architecture and urban planning department from October 2022 to December 2023[8].
Ruslan Berdenov, Deputy Akim of Shymkent, has stated that Abdeshov was appointed as the head of the city's architecture and urban planning department before Berdenov joined the akimat[9]. It is important to note that official state bodies have not yet commented on the reports of Abdeshov's detention[10].
Our editorial team has sent inquiries about the possible detention to the KNB and the Shymkent akimat. However, as of the latest updates in August 2025, no detailed public information about specific charges or the current status of the investigation has been reported.
Ruslan Berdenov has refuted claims that Abdeshov is his person or has any connection to him[11]. Contrary to some sources, Abdeshov is not reported to have been detained as of the latest updates[12]. The detention is said to be connected to Abdeshov's time working in the Zhambyl region from August 2020 to October 2022[13].
This ongoing investigation underscores the importance of media representatives and channel authors carefully verifying facts before publication to avoid misleading the public, as urged by Ruslan Berdenov[14]. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Kazakhstan.
Politics continues to be a hot topic in Shymket, with the detention of Arman Abdeshov, the city's former head of Architecture and Urban Planning, by the KNB on allegations of embezzlement and misappropriation of property. General-news reports suggest that this detention is part of a broader investigation that includes a high-profile trial and an ongoing audit of the akimat-owned company Turgyn Uy Shymkent.
