Amid the publication of the so-called "Epstein Files," Majilis deputies have initiated a verification into possible contacts between high-ranking Kazakh officials and the American financier.

Deputies from the OSDP faction have submitted a parliamentary request to the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Berik Asylov, and the Chairman of the National Security Committee, Yermek Sagimbayev. The request demands a verification of information regarding possible contacts between high-ranking Kazakh individuals and the American financier Jeffrey Epstein, known as the organizer of an international child sex trafficking network.

The initiator of the request, Deputy Askhat Rakhimzhanov, emphasized that the published "Epstein Files" mention the names of Kazakh citizens. He particularly highlighted former Prime Minister and NSC Chairman Karim Massimov, as well as former Deputy Prime Minister and National Bank Governor Kairat Kelimbetov.

"The global political arena continues to be shaken by the scandal surrounding the publication of the so-called 'Epstein Files.' Leading democratic nations have already initiated parliamentary investigations and criminal prosecutions of individuals implicated in the scandal. The OSDP faction believes that silencing this topic is unacceptable," stated Askhat Rakhimzhanov.

The deputy's request notes that the citizens of Kazakhstan have the right to know the truth about in whose hands the fate of the country rested, and whether it was ever a bargaining chip in the closed clubs of dubious repute.

According to the parliamentarian, the published documents mention representatives of the political elite of "Old Kazakhstan" who held key state positions. "The moral character and personal connections of officials of such rank are not a matter of private life, but a matter of state security and the country's reputation," the deputy believes.

He paid special attention to the role of Karim Massimov, who is currently facing charges related to treason and an attempted seizure of power. According to the deputy, he is mentioned in the records no less than eight times.

"The records directly imply that Epstein and Massimov were personally acquainted. This raises a host of questions. Why did a high-ranking Kazakh official find it necessary to initiate contact and meet with Epstein? On whose territory did these meetings take place? Was it on that very island?" the request states.

Regarding Kairat Kelimbetov, the Majilis deputy noted that public attention has been drawn to information about his meetings with Jeffrey Epstein abroad, as well as questions about the nature and purpose of these contacts.

"Foreign media have highlighted the fact of Epstein and Kairat Kelimbetov vacationing together in New York. Let me remind you that K. Kelimbetov was the Deputy Prime Minister and headed the National Bank. And again the question arises – why did Kelimbetov need these meetings? Or did Epstein initiate these meetings for his own purposes?" inquired Askhat Rakhimzhanov.

The request also emphasizes that the correspondence discusses contacts and meetings between Massimov, Kelimbetov, and Jeffrey Epstein, the exchange of personal greetings, and touches upon various joint events. Furthermore, other unnamed individuals are mentioned, for example, a certain high-ranking general responsible for state security.

"Moreover, the disclosed documents indicate that Epstein visited Kazakhstan multiple times. There is also a possibility that the files do not fully reflect all his contacts in our country. In the context of investigations into this scandal, international publications also mention the Kazakh model Ruslana Korshunova, who died tragically in the USA under circumstances that were never fully clarified. Let me remind you, we are not talking about a private individual, but about a person recognized as the organizer of an international network for the sexual exploitation of minors, who had established connections with political, financial, and intelligence circles," expressed concern Askhat Rakhimzhanov.

Deputies of the OSDP faction insist on conducting a verification of information regarding the Kazakh officials mentioned in the "Epstein Files." They also request to scrutinize individuals affiliated with these officials. The faction pays particular attention to the nature of the meetings with Epstein and the purposes of these contacts.

The parliamentarians are asking to determine whether contacts between other Kazakh politicians, businessmen, and show business representatives and Jeffrey Epstein took place, both within the country and abroad.

They also insist on a legal assessment of potential threats to national security. Specifically, this concerns the risks of compromising officials and leaking confidential information.

Furthermore, the deputies request that Parliament and the public be informed of the verification results, as well as of the measures taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, Deputy Abzal Kuspán commented in the Majilis corridors on the question of the possible consequences of the verification.

"All inquiries have been sent. I have joined this parliamentary request. We expect a response from the Prosecutor General within a month. If any connections are confirmed, it does not automatically imply involvement in the crimes related to the Epstein case. But certain legal consequences are theoretically possible," the parliamentarian noted.

He emphasized that the mere mention of names in publications cannot be interpreted as proof of a violation of the law. According to him, the key now is to obtain an official legal assessment from the competent authorities.

Linara SAKTAGANOVA

Astana