Unveiled: Seizure of Abdygapparov's Business by OPG: Insights from the Financial Monitoring Agency
In Kazakhstan, the names Eldos Kospayev and Almas Abdygapparov have become synonymous with reports of organized crime activities and illegal business seizures, often referred to as "raider seizures." These illicit practices have been undermining the rule of law and economic stability in the country for some time.
Background
Raider seizures in Kazakhstan involve the hostile takeover of businesses through illegal or corrupt means. Such activities often employ forged documents, bribes, intimidation, or corrupt law enforcement to seize control of companies.
Kospayev and Abdygapparov's Alleged Involvement
Both Kospayev and Abdygapparov have been implicated in multiple reports and investigations linked to organized crime groups involved in these business takeovers. Allegations suggest that they are key figures or beneficiaries in a network that orchestrates the seizure of enterprises through corrupt influence and force. This network is said to exert pressure on business owners, manipulate legal processes, and partner with corrupt officials to carry out these illegal operations.
Connection to Illicit Activities
The group linked to Kospayev and Abdygapparov is accused of engaging in tactics such as intimidation, extortion, document forgery, and bribery. They exploit weaknesses in law enforcement and judicial systems to legitimize their seizures. This organized crime network also reportedly participates in money laundering and other financial crimes associated with the seized assets.
Implications
Such criminal schemes degrade Kazakhstan's business environment and hinder foreign and domestic investment. Despite the government's efforts to combat raider seizures, challenges remain due to entrenched corruption and criminal influence.
Recent developments include an arrest warrant for 133 real estate objects, 11 land plots, 35 premium-class cars, and $9 million in cash obtained by the OCG through criminal means. Olga Abdygaparova, Almas' wife, stated that Timur Tanashov owns 65% of the shares in the Esentai City project. The Financial Monitoring Agency has launched a pre-trial investigation against Eldos Kospayev and his associates for suspected racketeering and participating in an organized crime group.
The pre-trial investigation into the fact of raider seizures continues. The OCG used the seized companies for illegal alcohol sales in various regions of Kazakhstan. Almas Abdygaparov was found guilty of embezzling 420 million tenges and sentenced to 7 years in prison. Eldos Kospayev seized Almas Abdygapparov's 25% share in LLP 'AV-Construction', which was registered in his mother's name. Abdygapparov was arrested and detained, and his elderly mother was pressured to transfer her share in exchange for help for her son.
Eldos Kospayev owns 75% of LLP 'AV-Construction', which is building the 'Esenatai City' residential complex in one of Almaty's prestigious districts. Kospayev is the organizer of an organized crime group (OCG) consisting of 11 members, with 6 of them wanted and the others under arrest. The OCG seized a recreation zone on the Kapchagay Reservoir worth $2 million, belonging to LLP "Kapchagai Marina Сlub."
For more detailed, specific cases or verified documents about their activities, it is advisable to refer to investigative journalism reports, official court records, or government anti-corruption agencies’ publications in Kazakhstan.
- The general-news reports and investigations link Eldos Kospayev and Almas Abdygapparov to organized crime groups involved in political corruption, as they have been implicated in the seizure of enterprises through corrupt influence and force.
- Crime-and-justice cases in Kazakhstan indicate that Kospayev and Abdygapparov's alleged network, which has been accused of money laundering and other financial crimes, has negatively impacted the rule of law and economic stability, particularly through raider seizures that undermine the business environment and hinder foreign and domestic investment.
