Epstein files reveal: Nazarbayev’s ex-son-in-law asked US for asylum

The name of Rakhat Aliyev, former son-in-law of Kazakhstan’s ex-president Nursultan Nazarbayev, appears in recently released correspondence linked to financier Jeffrey Epstein. In the documents, Aliyev sought help securing safe relocation to the U.S. and recovering roughly $2 billion that he said his family lost after their business assets were confiscated in Kazakhstan.

Asking for help

According to the files, Aliyev fled to Europe after losing influence in Kazakhstan in 2007-2008. He reportedly hoped that the circumstances surrounding his seized assets would damage Nazarbayev’s standing in the West. Aliyev also hired the Washington firm RJI Government Strategies, which contacted the offices of 20 members of Congress and promoted trips by U.S. lawmakers to Kazakhstan. The firm circulated materials portraying Aliyev as a victim of political persecution.

U.S. response

The Obama administration ultimately declined to intervene. According to confidential diplomatic cables, U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Richard Hoagland warned that both Aliyev and Kazakh authorities were attempting to use the U.S. for their own political purposes.

Who is Rakhat Aliyev?

Aliyev previously served as chief of the tax police, deputy foreign minister, and head of Kazakhstan’s security service, roles noted in the released files. Critics allege he used his influence to take control of private companies for personal gain, sometimes through intimidation. His wife, Nazarbayev’s eldest daughter, Dariga, divorced him in June 2007. Around the same time, the Kazakh government seized businesses owned by him and his extended family.

While living in Europe, Aliyev was convicted in Kazakhstan on charges he said were fabricated, including an alleged coup attempt. With his influence at home diminished, he turned to Washington, aware of how important U.S. opinion was to his former father-in-law.

Arrested in Austria…

On May 19, 2014, Austrian authorities issued an arrest warrant for Aliyev. Two weeks later, he traveled to Vienna and surrendered to the police.

He spent nearly eight months in custody. On Feb. 24, 2015, he was found hanged in his cell. His death was officially ruled a suicide.