Tokayev Briefed on Military Audit: Five Officials Arrested Following Mangystau Tragedy

The initial phase of a comprehensive audit into the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan has resulted in the initiation of 13 criminal cases and the arrest of five officials, according to Akorda. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was presented with the preliminary findings of the commission.

Aida Balayeva, Commission Chairperson and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, outlined the primary outcomes of the investigation. The meeting emphasized that a recent tragic incident during military exercises in the Mangystau region exposed deep-seated systemic issues within the Armed Forces.

Preliminary investigative results indicate severe flaws in the planning of military operations and a critical lack of oversight from former leadership. The probe into the Mangystau incident revealed major deficiencies in risk assessment, airborne insertion procedures, exercise preparation, and overall safety measures for service personnel.

A pre-trial investigation regarding negligence among the command staff is currently underway. Five officials have been placed under arrest, with their actions subject to final legal evaluation upon the conclusion of the investigation.

During the first phase of the comprehensive review, law enforcement agencies launched 13 criminal proceedings covering charges of state property embezzlement, abuse of official authority, and other legal violations across structural divisions and organizations subordinate to the Ministry of Defense.

Furthermore, the audit highlighted significant shortcomings in military discipline and preventive measures. Additional criminal cases have been filed regarding hazing and violations of military regulations.

President Tokayev noted that initial personnel adjustments have already been made, stressing that every official responsible for the deaths of service members must face full legal accountability. He reaffirmed that the matter remains under his personal supervision.

The Head of State instructed the commission, alongside the new leadership of the Ministry of Defense, to draft concrete recommendations to rectify the identified deficiencies. The final outcomes of the audit will be integrated into the upcoming reform plan for the Armed Forces.

The commission's work is ongoing.