Kazakhstan to Assign Personal Prosecutors to Major Investors, Impose 'Prosecutor Filter'

Kazakhstan is implementing a new system of personal prosecutor oversight for significant investors and introducing a legal mechanism that prevents state agencies from conducting inspections without prior prosecutorial consent. The announcement was made at an investment protection forum hosted by the General Prosecutor's Office.

The forum brought together representatives from the Presidential Administration, the Government, Parliament, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken," as well as international organizations including the UN and OSCE. Regional governors, prosecutors, and business representatives participated via video link.

General Prosecutor Berik Asylov stated that protecting investments remains a key priority. He revealed that every major investment project in Kazakhstan will now be placed under prosecutorial supervision, with a specific prosecutor assigned to each investor. "Each significant investment project in Kazakhstan will be under prosecutorial support. A specific prosecutor will be assigned to each investor," Asylov declared.

The cornerstone of the new protective measures is the so-called "prosecutor filter." Asylov explained that under current law, all state bodies are now prohibited from inspecting an investor, suspending their activities, revoking licenses, or imposing other restrictions without obtaining prior consent from a prosecutor. "This is the implementation of our supervisory function," he said.

Asylov emphasized that any illegal decisions or actions by state bodies would be overturned by prosecutors, with responsible officials held accountable. Furthermore, his office has been tasked with reviewing subordinate legislation to identify and eliminate both overt and hidden barriers for business.

The forum also highlighted recent economic trends. First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar reported that Kazakhstan's GDP grew by 6.5% last year. Foreign direct investment increased by 14.4%, reaching $20.5 billion, while investments in fixed capital amounted to 22.7 trillion tenge.

Sklyar noted that Kazakhstan attracted approximately $19 billion in greenfield projects last year—accounting for about 89% of all intra-regional investment in Central Asia—and commissioned 330 projects worth over $10 billion.

Kanat Sharlapaev, Chairman of the "Atameken" National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, stressed that a predictable and stable legal environment is crucial for long-term business planning and attracting investment. He also pointed to prosecutorial efforts contributing to a nearly 48% reduction in criminal cases against entrepreneurs in 2025 compared to the previous year.