"On social media, there was a vibrant display, and there were no questions about the Perizat Kairat case" - Victims of Perizat Kairat case
In a high-profile case that has captured public attention, Perizat Kairat, a prominent Kazakh entrepreneur and co-founder of the charitable foundation Biz Birgemiz Qazaqstan 2030, along with her mother, Gaini Alashbayeva, are accused of embezzling charitable donations intended for humanitarian relief, particularly during a major flood event, as well as other aid initiatives.
The primary organization implicated is the Biz Birgemiz Qazaqstan 2030 foundation, which gained public attention by organizing high-profile charity events, including auctions and direct aid to vulnerable families. The foundation was officially registered on October 21, 2021, by members previously active in the BizBirgemiz volunteer movement.
The case alleges that Perizat Kairat and her mother embezzled approximately 3.5 billion tenge (about $7.74 million USD), a sum that reportedly includes funds collected specifically for flood victims as well as other charitable donations.
The investigation alleges that some of these funds were used for personal expenses, including the purchase of luxury real estate, vehicles, and expensive travel. As a result, Perizat Kairat's property was seized on December 13, 2024, and both she and her mother were taken into custody in April 2025.
Perizat Kairat and Gaini Alashbayeva face charges under multiple articles of the Kazakh Criminal Code, including fraud, money laundering, and money laundering on a large scale. The court has ruled that certain details, particularly those involving bank secrecy or confidential information, will be handled in closed sessions.
The case involves at least 47 recognized victims—both individuals and legal entities—who suffered losses due to the alleged fraud. Notable among them are the parents of students at NIS.
The trial is ongoing, with portions conducted in closed session, and further details may emerge as proceedings advance. The case has spotlighted vulnerabilities in the oversight of charitable foundations in Kazakhstan, especially those with links to political parties or high-profile public figures.
Here's a summary of the individuals, organizations, amounts embezzled, seized assets, and legal charges involved in the case:
| Individual | Organization Involved | Amount Embezzled | Seized Assets | Legal Charges | |------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Perizat Kairat | Biz Birgemiz Qazaqstan 2030 | 3.5 billion tenge (~$7.74M) | Luxury properties, cars, jewelry, designer items | Fraud, money laundering (group), money laundering (large scale) | | Gaini Alashbayeva | Biz Birgemiz Qazaqstan 2030 | 3.5 billion tenge (~$7.74M) | Not specified in detail | Fraud, money laundering (two counts) |
As the trial progresses, it is expected that more details will come to light, shedding further light on this significant case in Kazakhstan.
The ongoing trial, centering around Perizat Kairat and Gaini Alashbayeva, dogged by allegations of embezzling charitable funds, has high-profile implications for the Biz Birgemiz Qazaqstan 2030 foundation, a charitable organization known for hosting general-news worthy events. This case of crime-and-justice, spotlighting vulnerable oversight in Kazakhstan's charitable foundations with potential links to politics, has garnered extensive media coverage with at least 47 recognized victims.
