A trial has begun in Aktobe for Yerkebulan Aimuratuly, head of the travel company Yerkosh Tour, who is accused of fraud. The case involves 49 victims, and the damage exceeded 21 million tenge. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

The company operated in the market for six years

According to the TV channel, the company had been operating in the market for six years. Clients purchased tour packages to Turkey, Egypt, European countries, and the UAE, expecting favorable prices. They were promised hotel bookings and airline tickets, but the trips did not take place. Some learned about the cancellation of their tour on the eve of departure.

Testimony of a victim

"We bought a tour to Europe and wanted to fly. But unfortunately, our vacation did not happen because the tour operator failed to fulfill its obligations. When we went to the office, he said you can fly now, he offered Turkey, you can fly now. But in the end, no one flew anywhere," said victim Svetlana Litvinenko.

Investigation details

The head of Yerkosh Tour was detained in late May on suspicion of fraud. An acquaintance of his also appeared in the dock alongside him. According to the investigation, tourists also transferred money to her account.

Explanations of the accused

Aimuratuly himself attributes the disruption of trips and problems with refunds to force majeure. According to him, difficulties began after the closure of airspace on February 28.

"Basically, there were... Dubai tourists who suffered. Why did they suffer? Because, you know, on February 28 the sky was closed. Because of this, we could not fly out. And after that, our problems with refunds began. We agreed to close all debts by June 10. But already on May 29, I was placed under house arrest," stated Yerkosh Tour director Yerkebulan Aimuratuly.

Essence of the trial

The court session is taking place in Aktobe. The accused is trying to prove his innocence, linking the events to force majeure circumstances. The victims, meanwhile, insist that the tour operator failed to fulfill its obligations. The case involves violations of the rights of 49 people, and material damage exceeded 21 million tenge. The outcome of the trial is not yet known.