Kazakh MP Demands Probe into Officials' Links to Jeffrey Epstein

A member of the Mazhilis, Ashat Rakhimzhanov, has submitted a parliamentary inquiry to the Prosecutor General and the Chairman of the National Security Committee (KNB). The deputy demands an investigation into information about possible contacts between high-ranking Kazakh officials and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

In his address, Rakhimzhanov stated that the global political arena continues to be shaken by the scandal surrounding the publication of the so-called "Epstein files." He emphasized that leading democratic nations have already initiated parliamentary inquiries and criminal prosecutions against individuals implicated in the scandal. "Keeping silent on this topic is unacceptable," he stressed.

The deputy argued that citizens of Kazakhstan have a right to know the truth about who held the country's fate in their hands and whether it was subject to bargaining in closed clubs of dubious reputation.

In his inquiry, Rakhimzhanov noted that published materials feature representatives of the political elite from what is often termed "old Kazakhstan." Specifically, he mentioned former Prime Minister and ex-Chairman of the KNB Karim Massimov, who is currently serving a sentence for treason and attempting to seize power. According to Rakhimzhanov, Karim Massimov is mentioned in Epstein's records at least eight times. The records allegedly directly indicate that Epstein and Massimov were personally acquainted.

The deputy posed questions: why would a high-ranking Kazakh official need to initiate meetings with Epstein, and on whose territory did these meetings take place?

Rakhimzhanov also mentioned former Deputy Prime Minister and ex-head of the National Bank Kairat Kelimbetov. He pointed out that foreign media attention was drawn to a fact about Epstein and Kairat Kelimbetov vacationing together in New York. "Again, the question arises: why did Kelimbetov need these meetings?" he asked.

According to Rakhimzhanov, correspondence discusses contacts and meetings between Kazakh officials and Epstein, conveys personal greetings, and mentions joint events. He also drew attention to mentions of a "high-ranking general responsible for state security" in connection with this story.

The deputy further noted that according to published materials, Epstein allegedly visited Kazakhstan multiple times. He did not rule out that not all of his contacts may be reflected in the disclosed files.

"We are talking not just about a private individual but about a person recognized as an organizer of an international network for sexual exploitation of minors, who had established connections with political, financial, and intelligence circles," Rakhimzhanov emphasized.

In his inquiry, Ashat Rakhimzhanov demanded:

• To verify information about Kazakh officials and individuals affiliated with them mentioned in the "Epstein files," as well as the nature and purposes of possible meetings;
• To establish whether other Kazakh politicians, entrepreneurs, or show business representatives had contacts with Epstein;
• To provide a legal assessment of potential threats to national security, including risks of confidential information leaks;
• To inform Parliament and society about verification results and measures taken.