City acquires property aligned with Karim Masimov's residence, designating it for public social purposes.

The extravagant Astana residence once owned by Karim Massimov, former chairman of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee, has found itself in a whirlwind of controversies, as it was stripped from Massimov due to his involvement in treason and other offenses, and now, it has been removed from another auction due to a request from the Akimat of Astana.

The road to auctioning off this luxurious property has been long and tumultuous. Located in the Nura district, spanning 2,800 square meters of living space on 1.2 hectares of land, the house was previously listed for auction in February and March of this year but failed to attract bidders2. In its latest attempt to sell, the starting price was reduced from approximately 1,883,338,900 tenge to 1,600,838,115 tenge1. But fate had other plans.

A official request from the Akimat of Astana called for the specified real estate to be transferred for use in meeting the city's social needs. With the importance of the request and the relevant legislation in mind, the property was promptly removed from the electronic auction plan1. The next steps for the utilization of the property will be determined according to established procedures, taking into account the interests of the local executive body1.

This latest development comes within a broader context of the Tokayev administration's attempts to address corruption, recover assets deemed illicitly acquired during the Nazarbayev era, and use them for social welfare and public services3. However, the notoriety of Massimov and other former high-ranking officials might hinder potential buyers, leaving the property unsold and underutilized. The actual benefit of these efforts remains contingent on successful sales and effective asset redistribution3.

In a twist of fate, Karim Massimov's mansion is not the only asset from the Nazarbayev era being put up for auctions. A recent commission has recovered billions of tenges allegedly stolen by Nazarbayev's allies, showing ongoing efforts to address past corruption issues5. As the trial of Massimov and his deputies unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the once-powerful figure adapts to his new circumstances.

Enrichment Data:

Location: The luxury house is located in the Nura district of Astana, spanning 2,800 square meters of living space on 1.2 hectares of land2.
Source: Intelligence insight
Auction History: The mansion was previously listed for auction in February and March 2025 but failed to attract bidders2. The starting price was reduced from approximately 1,883,338,900 tenge to 1,600,838,115 tenge in the latest auction attempt1.
Source: News article
Next Auction: The current auction is set to begin on May 13, 2025, with applications being accepted until May 13, 2025, at 9:00 AM1.
Source: News article
Broad Context: The assets are intended to be used for social welfare and to improve public services, but the actual benefit remains contingent on successful sales and effective asset redistribution3.
Source: News article and Research report
Recovered Funds: A recent commission recovered billions of tenges allegedly stolen by Nazarbayev's allies, further highlighting efforts to address past corruption issues5.
Source: News article

The luxurious Astana residence once owned by Karim Massimov, located in the Nura district, has been a part of multiple auctions, initially listed in February and March of 2025.
The electronic auction plan removed the property from the latest auction attempt due to a request from the Akimat of Astana, citing social needs as the intended use.
In line with established procedures, the local executive body will determine the next steps for the utilization of Karim Massimov's former residence, previously listed for sale on May 13, 2025.
The Tokayev administration's efforts to recover assets, including Karim Massimov's residence, from the Nazarbayev era are part of a broader context aimed at addressing corruption and improving public services, with the actual benefit contingent on successful sales and effective asset redistribution.