Almaty Police Investigated for Possible Role in Fatal Street Race

An official investigation has been launched in Almaty to determine whether police officers were involved in a deadly street race that resulted in a fatal crash. The incident, which claimed three lives, occurred on Al-Farabi Avenue.

The collision happened at the intersection of Al-Farabi and Mendikulov streets in the early hours of March 21. A Mercedes and a Zeekr vehicle were involved in the accident. The driver and two female passengers of the Mercedes, aged 20 and 22, died at the scene. The driver of the Zeekr survived and was hospitalized with injuries.

A criminal case has been initiated under Part 4 of Article 345 of the Criminal Code, which addresses traffic violations resulting in the death of two or more persons through negligence. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to ten years imprisonment.

Suspicions that the crash was caused by illegal street racing have been fueled by videos circulating on social media. These recordings suggest a high-ranking police department official in a service vehicle may have been participating in the race.

Murat Abenov, a member of the Mazhilis (the lower house of Parliament), publicly raised concerns about possible police involvement. He referenced a video posted online to support his claim that one of the race participants was an officer.

"Was a high-ranking Almaty police officer involved in the races? There is suspicion that one of the participants in the race on Al-Farabi, which led to the death of three young people, was a policeman," Abenov wrote, calling on the Ministry of Internal Affairs for clarification.

The man in the video shared by Abenov alleges that one participant driving an official car could have been a deputy head of the city's police department.

In response, Aydyn Kabduldinov, head of the Almaty Police Department, confirmed an internal investigation is underway. He vowed strict action if any officers are found culpable.

"The police department is conducting an official investigation. A clear legal assessment will be given, and we will take the toughest measures if employees are guilty," Kabduldinov stated.

He also noted that while the suspected Zeekr driver remains hospitalized, an arrest order will be issued once his condition stabilizes.