Kazakh officials in Epstein's files: MP demands investigation
Tengrinews.kz – Mazhilis Deputy Askat Rakhimzhanov has sent a parliamentary request to the Prosecutor General and the Chairman of the National Security Committee (KNB) demanding an investigation into possible contacts between high-ranking Kazakh officials and Jeffrey Epstein.
In his statement, the deputy noted that the political stage continues to be shaken by the scandal surrounding the publication of the so-called Epstein files.
"Leading democratic nations are already initiating parliamentary investigations and criminal prosecutions of those involved in the scandal. Silencing this issue is unacceptable," emphasized Rakhimzhanov.
According to him, the citizens of Kazakhstan "have the right to know the truth about who held the fate of the country in their hands and whether it was subject to bargaining in shady private clubs."
Massimov and Kelimbetov in Epstein's files
In his request, the deputy pointed out that the published materials feature representatives of the political elite of the so-called "old Kazakhstan".
Specifically, he mentioned former Prime Minister and former KNB Chairman Karim Massimov, who is currently serving a sentence for treason and an attempted coup.
"Karim Massimov is mentioned in the records at least 8 times. The records clearly indicate that Epstein and Massimov were personally acquainted," Rakhimzhanov stated.
The deputy raised questions: why did a high-ranking Kazakh official need to initiate meetings with Epstein, and on what territory did these meetings take place?
He also mentioned former Deputy Prime Minister and ex-head of the National Bank, Kairat Kelimbetov.
"Foreign media have highlighted the fact that Epstein and Kairat Kelimbetov vacationed together in New York. Again, the question is: why did Kelimbetov need these meetings?" he asked.
National security question
According to Rakhimzhanov, the correspondence discusses contacts and meetings between Kazakh officials and Epstein, personal greetings are exchanged, and joint events are mentioned.
Additionally, he noted the mention of a "high-ranking general responsible for state security".
"Who is this person?" the deputy asked again.
Rakhimzhanov also pointed out that according to the published materials, Epstein is allegedly mentioned as having visited Kazakhstan multiple times, and he did not rule out that not all of his contacts might be reflected in the open files.
In international publications, the Kazakh model Ruslana Korshunova, who tragically died in the United States, is also mentioned.
"We are not talking about just a private individual, but about a person recognized as the organizer of an international network for the sexual exploitation of minors, who had strong ties with political, financial, and intelligence circles," he emphasized.
What the deputy demands
In his request, Askat Rakhimzhanov demanded:
Verify information about Kazakh officials and their affiliates mentioned in the "Epstein files" as well as the nature and purpose of possible meetings.
Determine whether other Kazakh politicians, entrepreneurs, and representatives of show business had contacts with Epstein.
Assess the possible national security threats, including risks of leaking confidential information.
Inform Parliament and the public about the results of the investigation and the measures taken.
What are the "Epstein files"?
The "Epstein files" are a vast collection of court documents, witness testimony, and contact lists related to the case of American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of running an international sex trafficking network and exploiting minors. The primary value and controversy of these materials lie in the fact that they feature the names of hundreds of influential people — politicians, businessmen, scientists, and Hollywood stars — who visited his private island in the Caribbean or flew on his private plane. It is important to understand that simply having one's name on these lists or flying on Epstein’s plane is not direct evidence of committing a crime, but the publication of this data has shed light on how Epstein used his connections with the global elite to create an image of immunity.
Among the most frequently mentioned figures were British Prince Andrew, former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, as well as many other media personalities. After Epstein's death in prison and the conviction of his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, courts began gradually declassifying these documents, continuing to provoke waves of media discussion.