Kazakh MPs Demand Probe into Elite's Links to Jeffrey Epstein

Members of Kazakhstan's parliament have called on the country's security services to investigate potential connections between former high-ranking officials and the convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. The demand follows revelations that names from Kazakhstan's political elite appear in the so-called 'Epstein files'.

During a session of the Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament, deputy Ashat Rakhimzhanov stated that documents and publications discuss correspondence, personal contacts, and meetings involving figures from what he termed the 'Old Kazakhstan' political establishment. He highlighted media reports about former official Kairat Kelimbetov vacationing with Epstein in New York, as well as mentions of acquaintanceship and possible joint events.

"The correspondence discusses contacts and meetings between [Karim] Massimov and Kelimbetov with Jeffrey Epstein," Rakhimzhanov declared. "Personal greetings are exchanged, various joint events are touched upon. Other unnamed individuals are also mentioned, for example, a certain high-ranking general responsible for state security. Who is this person? It is quite possible that this is again the same Massimov? Why would a high-ranking Kazakh official need to initiate and meet with Epstein? On what territory did these meetings take place? Not on that very island?"

The deputy emphasized that if such links indeed existed, it is not a matter of private life but a question of national security.

The lawmakers are demanding answers to several key questions: the purpose of any meetings; whether they occurred on Kazakh territory or abroad; if there was any leakage of restricted-access information; whether channels for external influence or risks of blackmail were created; and if such contacts were sanctioned by the country's leadership at the time.

Rakhimzhanov formally requested an official investigation into all mentioned Kazakh officials and people affiliated with them. He further asked authorities to determine if other Kazakh politicians, entrepreneurs, or show business representatives had contact with Jeffrey Epstein either domestically or overseas.

"I ask for a legal assessment of possible threats to national security," he stated before parliament, "including risks of compromising officials and leaking confidential information, including disclosure of state secrets. Inform parliament and society about the results of the inspection, as well as measures taken to prevent similar cases in the future."

The deputy also referenced Kazakh model Ruslana Korshunova, who died tragically in the United States in 2008. Rakhimzhanov noted her name appears in international publications within the context of investigations surrounding Epstein. He argued that since the circumstances of her death remain unclear, any potential connections to figures in the scandal should also be subject to scrutiny.

Jeffrey Epstein was a financier accused in the United States of running an international network for sexual exploitation of minors. Investigations alleged he organized gatherings involving influential politicians, businessmen, and elites. In 2019, he was found dead in his New York jail cell. His case caused global shockwaves, and subsequently published documents—the 'Epstein files'—continue to reveal names and connections worldwide.

In January 2026 alone, over three million pages related to his case were released by US authorities.