Serik Akhmetov given 10 years in prison for corruption

    Former Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov was sentenced on December 11 to ten years in jail, Novosti-Kazakhstan reported from the courtroom.
    Akhmetov has also been barred from holding public office for 5 years and his property was confiscated.
    Akhmetov was initially accused of embezzling budget funds, abusing power, illegal ‘entrepreneurial activities,’ and bribe taking, though the latter charge was later eliminated by the prosecution.
    The abuse of power charge was also altered to ‘obstruction of business’.
    Public prosecutor sought a sentence of 12 years in a penal colony with property confiscation.
    In his final statement on December 9, Akhmetov apologized to President Nursultan Nazarbayev for ‘not justifying his trust’ (original - KNL).
    Akhmetov pleaded not guilty.
    Akhmetov’s last senior position was minister of defense, which he occupied since April 2014 until October 2014.
    From November 2009 to January 2012, he served as akim of Karaganda Oblast. From January to September 2012, Akhmetov has served as first deputy prime minister and from September 24, 2012 to April 2014 - prime minister, Akipress reports.