Kazakhstan might seize assets from relatives of corrupt officials

MP Marat Bashimov has proposed introducing the practice of extended confiscation in Kazakhstan, submitting the initiative to the Prosecutor General’s Office. If approved, the measure would allow authorities to confiscate any property linked to corrupt officials, even if it is registered under the names of their relatives, associates or close companions.

This means that the government will be able to seize assets whose origin cannot be explained by their owner, regardless of who is listed as the registered holder of the property.

The key point of the investigation is to prove that the suspect is the one who controls the assets in question and acquired them illegally.

«Given the current absence of such a rule, corrupt officials often transfer their assets to third parties, allowing them to avoid full penalties. They serve their prison term calmly, knowing that their property is registered under the names of relatives and associates and hasn’t been fully confiscated. They’re confident they’ll enjoy that wealth once they’re released,» Bashimov wrote on Facebook.

According to the MP, such a provision is already in effect in most countries around the world. Notably, the Financial Action Task Force has long recommended that Kazakhstan incorporate this regulation in its legislation to more effectively combat money laundering and the shadow economy. However, according to Bashimov, corrupt officials and lobbyists had previously obstructed the process.

Currently, the Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan’s parliament, is reviewing a new draft law aimed at combating money laundering. It features 100 amendments, including the extended confiscation initiative.

Bashimov emphasized that confiscation would apply only to those unable to prove the legitimacy of their income. Primarily, the measure would target public employees, politicians and managers of state-owned enterprises.