Kazakh Rail Operator Comments on Almaty Branch Director's Detention for Bribery

The Kazakh rail freight operator "Kaztemirtrans" has issued a statement regarding reports of the detention of its Almaty branch director on suspicion of accepting a bribe.

Earlier media reports indicated that the Almaty Department of the National Security Committee (KNB) detained the director while allegedly receiving a bribe of approximately 540 million tenge. Preliminary information suggests the arrest was made red-handed at a restaurant in Almaty. According to sources, the funds may have been transferred in exchange for resolving issues related to the branch's activities, specifically for assistance in obtaining permission for a private security company to service "Kaztemirtrans" facilities across Kazakhstan.

In its official comment, "Kaztemirtrans" confirmed that investigative actions are currently being carried out by competent law enforcement agencies. The company stated it is providing comprehensive assistance to the authorized bodies and furnishing all necessary information and documents within the framework of the ongoing investigation.

However, the company expressed doubts about information regarding an alleged large bribe for help in winning state procurement contracts for facility security. "Kaztemirtrans" clarified that all procedures for concluding contracts for security services have already been completed.

The company provided figures showing that its total budget for security services is about 200 million tenge, with over 9 million tenge allocated this year specifically for guarding production bases of its Almaty branch. This amount is significantly lower than the sum of the alleged bribe being reported.

"JSC 'Kaztemirtrans' adheres to principles of legality, transparency, and zero tolerance towards any manifestations of corruption. In case facts of legal violations are confirmed, all measures provided by law will be taken," stated the company's message.

The final circumstances will be established by the investigation. The company emphasized its interest in an objective and comprehensive investigation and expects the truth to be established according to legal procedures.

"Kaztemirtrans" is a subsidiary of JSC "NC 'KTZ' (Kazakhstan Temir Zholy) and ranks among Kazakhstan's largest freight wagon operators.