Internal Affairs Minister Discloses Current Status of Ex-KNB Leader
In a shocking turn of events, former Kazakhstan National Security Committee (KNB) head Karim Massimov was sentenced to 18 years in prison in April 2023, following convictions for high treason, attempted violent seizure of power, abuse of power, and official duties. However, the details surrounding his current detention conditions remain unclear.
Reports suggest that Massimov has been diagnosed with cancer, and there are concerns about his health due to social media reports indicating a deterioration. Minister of Internal Affairs Erjan Sadenov, however, commented that Massimov's condition is normal. Sadenov also confirmed that Massimov is currently in detention facilities, as determined by the court, but did not provide any specifics on whether he is held in solitary confinement or a general cell.
Investigations against Massimov under Article 218, Part 3, Point 3 of the Criminal Code, "Legalization (Money Laundering) of Money or Other Property Obtained through Criminal Activity", and Article 366, Part 4 of the Criminal Code, "Bribery in a Large Amount", were initiated. However, the KNB has classified these investigations, making it unclear if trials have taken place for these cases.
In a positive development, the mansion of Massimov is no longer considered for communal ownership in Astana. Despite the ongoing investigations and uncertainty surrounding his detention conditions, Massimov's legal representatives have put forth arguments that are currently being checked. No specific details about these arguments have been disclosed by Erjan Sadenov.
As of now, it remains unclear whether there are potential other convicts who could benefit from amnesty, or if there are any changes in Massimov's detention conditions or health status. The lack of official information on these matters adds to the uncertainty surrounding the former KNB head's situation.
The recent development reveals that while Massimov's mansion is no longer a subject for communal ownership, the uncertainty persists regarding potential amnesty for other convicts and any changes in his detention conditions or health status. Additionally, discussions revolve around politics and general-news, as well as crime-and-justice, due to the ongoing investigations against Massimov under articles related to legalization of money and bribery.
