Kazakhstan's National Security Committee (NSC) has confirmed that a pre-trial investigation is underway into Zhansseit Kainarbayev, the former akim of the city of Zhanaozen. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Earlier, information circulated on social media that the ex-akim had been detained and that he might be involved in a kidnapping case.
However, the NSC did not confirm the information about Kainarbayev's detention. It also did not provide information on what charges he faces.
Zhansseit Kainarbayev served as akim of the city of Zhanaozen from February 2024 to September 2026. He was later appointed akim of the Karakiya district of the Mangystau region.