Judgement delivered to the ex-chancellor of a Kazakhstan university
In the heart of Shymkent, a city renowned for its educational institutions, a significant corruption case has unfolded at M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University. The former first pro-rector, who held a significant administrative position, has been found guilty of embezzlement and the formation of a criminal group.
The individual, who served as the university's interim rector from July to November 2022, is accused of embezzling substantial funds allocated for university projects and expenses. These funds, intended for legitimate university use, were allegedly diverted into personal accounts or unauthorized channels.
Beyond acting alone, the former pro-rector is said to have organized a criminal group. This group, which included other defendants, allegedly collaborated to facilitate the illegal activities, orchestrating schemes to misappropriate university resources systematically.
The scandal has not only affected the university’s reputation but also highlighted vulnerabilities in the governance and financial controls within educational institutions in the region.
Investigations by the authorities, following irregularities detected in the university’s financial accounts, led to legal proceedings focusing on corruption, abuse of office, and money laundering. The Inter-District Court for Criminal Cases in Shymkent has announced its verdict against the defendant and five other defendants.
Detailed reports from the Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) reveal that defendants A., S., K., and entrepreneur T. formed a criminal group and embezzled 13,185,000 tenge through fraud from July to November 2022 in Shymkent. Without concluding a current repair contract, the former pro-rector allowed repairs to be carried out on the technical fifth floor of the main university building.
Defendant T. used the stolen money to buy cars, laundering the funds. Defendant N. signed state procurement contracts without holding a tender on the state procurement portal during his tenure as pro-rector. S., with N.'s consent, transferred the amount of 116,000,000 tenge to the aforementioned legal entities.
Other defendants were sentenced to various terms, including suspended and restricted freedom sentences. Defendant B., acting as an accomplice, without concluding a service contract, began repairing the purchased goods worth 116,000,000 tenge at the instruction of N. and A.
The court took into account mitigating circumstances, including the defendants' sincere repentance, the presence of minor children, and the compensation of damages. The university suffered significant material damage, amounting to a sum used by B. to purchase goods for an unintended purpose.
The court's verdict has not yet entered into legal force, but the former first pro-rector was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with a lifetime ban on holding positions in state bodies. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability within our educational institutions.
Read also:
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
- Tinubu's administration allegedly causing issues within every political party as Peter Obi's name surfaces - Obidient Movement asserts
