Kazakh authorities weigh using Karim Massimov’s mansion for public needs

A luxurious mansion confiscated from Karim Massimov, the former head of the National Security Committee (KNB), and valued at $3.1 million, will be transferred to the administration of Astana, according to the Returned Asset Management Company (RAMC), LLP. The property has already been removed from sale and will be used for public needs.

«The managing company has received an official request from the administration of Astana to use the property for the city’s social needs. Given the high social significance of the request and in accordance with national legislation, the mansion was removed from the online auction,» RAMC stated.

Although it is still unclear how exactly the mansion will be used, the company claims that its utilization will serve the interests of the capital’s administration.

The three-story property, located in the Nura district, has a floor area of nearly 2,900 square meters and sits on 1.2 hectares of land. The house includes a pool, sauna, home theater, billiard room and stage.

Authorities attempted to sell the mansion twice, but both auctions failed due to a lack of applicants. The first time, the price was 1.8 billion tenge ($3.5 million). The last time Massimov’s house was listed was in April, at a reduced price of 1.6 billion tenge ($3.1 million), which was 282 million tenge ($552,232) lower than before.

In April 2023, Massimov was sentenced to 18 years in prison for treason, attempting a coup d’état and abuse of power. In June 2024, he requested a pardon from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, but his request was rejected.