General Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the origins of Kazakhstani officials’ assets in Dubai
Prosecutors have been reviewing real estate data from #DubaiUnlocked, a global investigation conducted by journalists from various countries, including Kazakhstan. This investigation revealed that Kazakhstani public servants allegedly purchased properties in the UAE using illegally obtained assets, according to Nurdaulet Suindikov, head of the Asset Recovery Committee. He emphasized that publications like this provide additional sources of information for law enforcement agencies.
«We have a specialized law that allows us to use such investigations in our work, and we are proceeding with this information as well. Once monitoring and analysis of specific individuals are completed, we will use this data, if necessary,» Suindikov told journalists during a press briefing at the Central Communications Service in Astana.
According to the official, his committee will use data from the investigation to add certain individuals to the list of those subject to examination under the law on reclaiming illegally obtained assets.
«We do not investigate every publication, but we consider all relevant materials when examining the activities of specific individuals,» he added.
#DubaiUnlocked is an international investigation into real estate ownership in Dubai by journalists from more than 70 countries. As part of this project, Vlast.kz published information about apartments and villas in the UAE owned by Kazakhstani officials and their families.
In the article “Dubai Is the Other Capital of Kazakhstan,” journalists revealed the names of those who owned property in Dubai in 2022 while in public service or shortly after leaving it. The list also includes the spouses, children, parents and siblings of these officials.
Russia leads in terms of real estate controlled by Kazakhstani officials. Public servants and employees in the quasi-public sector have declared 2,877 houses, apartments, land parcels and commercial properties abroad. Approximately 77% of these properties were purchased in Russia.
