The anti-corruption agency has concluded its investigation into former Deputy Minister Erlan Kozhagapanov.

“The agency has completed its investigation into the former vice-minister of culture and sports and the management of the contracting organization on suspicion of committing serious crimes. They are accused of abusing their official powers and embezzling over 1 billion tenge,” the statement reads.

The department clarified that on December 13, the accused were referred to the court by the General Prosecutor's Office.

In March of last year, the agency confirmed that the detained individual is Yerlan Kozhagapanov, who previously held the position of vice-minister in the relevant ministry. According to the Anti-Corruption Service, the former official, acting in the interests of a commercial organization, lobbied for the conclusion of a contract with it for organizing the XV Forum of Interregional Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia in Petropavlovsk in 2018.

It was noted that the budget estimate for conducting the forum was unjustifiably doubled, leading to unreasonable expenditure of public funds. The investigation established and seized property acquired with funds obtained through criminal means.