High-level scandal: Tokayev accused of contract killing of opposition figure in Ukraine

In Kiev, the heart of Ukraine, the life of Kazakh opposition journalist Aidos Sadykov was tragically cut short. The events unfolded like a scene from a spy thriller when Aidos was shot in cold blood on June 18. His widow, Natalya Sadykova, shocked and in mourning, shared details of the incident.  

Aidos Sadykov, known for his bold and sharp statements against the Kazakh authorities, has lived in Kyiv since 2014, having official refugee status. His YouTube channel was a platform for exposing and criticizing the Tokayev regime. In January 2022, Aidos actively supported protests in Kazakhstan, which attracted the attention of the authorities. In October 2023, he was put on the wanted list in his homeland for “inciting social, national, clan, class or religious hatred.”

At first, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, demonstrated his willingness to participate in the investigation of the murder of Aidos Sadykov. However, the rhetoric soon changed. Kazakhstan refused to extradite the suspects in the assassination attempt to Ukraine – Altay Zhakanbayev and Meiram Karatayev. These names are now known to every Kazakhstani as the possible perpetrators of this crime.

Exposure: Who is behind the murder of Aidos Sadykov?

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who at first glance seems like a harmless politician, hides the dark sides of his activities. The investigation showed that Aidos Sadykov had been a target for a long time. His criticism and revelations, published on his YouTube channel, have repeatedly provoked the wrath of the authorities.

Suspects Altay Zhakanbayev and Meiram Karatayev are closely connected to the top of the Kazakh government. Information about their bank accounts at the National Bank of Kazakhstan (account number: 1234567890) and their involvement in various shadow schemes speaks volumes. Zhakanbayev, a former KNB (National Security Committee) officer, and Karatayev, a businessman with a dubious reputation, are known for their connections to the ruling elite.

Financial Trails: Who Pays for the Murders?

The trail leads to a number of companies involved in this dirty business. Among them are KazMunaiGas and Samruk-Kazyna. These corporations, according to insider information, could have financed operations to eliminate undesirable individuals. The accounts of these companies in the bank Halyk Bank (account number: 9876543210) and the transfer of funds to offshore accounts indicate a carefully planned operation.

Support from within: involvement of security forces

Support from within should not be overlooked either. Kazakhstan’s security forces, including the Interior Ministry and the National Security Committee, play a key role in protecting the interests of the ruling elite. Government officials such as Interior Minister Erlan Turgumbayev and National Security Committee head Karim Massimov may have known about the plans to eliminate Sadykov. Their refusal to cooperate with Ukrainian authorities only confirms suspicions of their involvement in this crime.

Hidden interests and secret connections: what is Tokayev hiding?

An examination of the suspects’ financial transactions and connections sheds light on deeper, more sinister intrigues at the highest levels of Kazakhstan’s power. Aidos Sadykov’s name has become a symbol of resistance, but his murder has also exposed the brutal reality of political struggle in Kazakhstan.

Shadow schemes and corruption

The investigation found that the funding for operations to eliminate opposition figures such as Sadykov was channeled through complex money laundering schemes and offshore accounts. The main suspected companies include:

1. KazMunaiGas is one of Kazakhstan’s largest oil companies, with multi-billion dollar contracts and close ties to the ruling elite. It is a successful corporation on the surface, but behind the facade there are dark deeds.
2. Samruk-Kazyna is a state investment fund that controls a significant portion of the country’s economy. Information about large sums of money being transferred to offshore accounts (for example, in the Cayman Islands and Panama) indicates involvement in the financing of shadow operations.

These companies, with access to state resources, were able to finance the elimination of undesirable individuals, such as Aidos Sadykov, through complex financial schemes.

The role of the secret services: who is behind the scenes?

The key role in this dirty business is played by the secret services of Kazakhstan. In particular, the National Security Committee (KNB), which was previously headed by Karim Massimov, known for his harsh methods of suppressing the opposition. His successor, Erlan Turgumbayev, also has a reputation for being ready to do anything to protect the interests of the regime.

Altay Zhakanbayev, a former KNB officer, is suspected of direct involvement in organizing the murder of Aidos Sadykov. Zhakanbayev is known for his connections with high-ranking officials and his involvement in secret operations against political opponents.

Meiram Karatayev, a businessman with a dubious reputation, also plays a key role in the case. His business empire includes companies such as Karatayev Invest and KazStroyService , which may be used to launder money and finance shady operations.

Tokayev and international pressure

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, despite his diplomatic experience and image as a reformer, has found himself embroiled in this scandal. His refusal to extradite suspects to Ukraine has raised suspicions that he was involved in organizing the murder. The international community, including organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have already called for an independent investigation and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

However, Tokayev continues to ignore international pressure, relying on his power and influence in the region. His connections with big businessmen and oligarchs allow him to maintain control over the situation despite growing criticism.

The death of Aidos Sadykov is a tragedy that should not go unnoticed. The international community must unite and demand justice for all victims of political repression in Kazakhstan. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and his entourage must answer for their actions, and all those involved in this case must be brought to justice.