Alpamys Bakhytuly at KMG Negotiations: Who Is Shielding the Former Hydrocarbon Smuggler?

• 04.09.2025 09:07

CONTENTS

1. KMG Publication and the Unexpected Photo

2. A Face from the Past: Alpamys Bakhytuly Next to Khasenov

3. The Petroline Smuggling Case and Yerlan Kozhakmetov

4. Court and Compensation: Millions of Tenge Recovered by the State

5. Bakhytuly’s Current Role: What Is He Supervising at KMG?

6. Questions for the National Company: Transparency or Schemes?

7. Official Debtor Registers

8. Reputation Implications

KMG Publication and the Unexpected Photo

Residents of Atyrau were shocked by a recent post on the official Telegram channel of the national company “KazMunayGas” (KMG) titled: “KMG and Turkish Petroleum Corporatin Discuss Cooperation Prospects.” At first glance, the post appeared to be standard corporate PR: the two companies are planning to strengthen cooperation in various areas.

However, public attention immediately focused on the accompanying photograph. To the left of KMG’s Chairman Askhat Khasenov, sits a man who strongly resembles well-known Atyrau businessman Alpamys Bakhytuly. His appearance in the photo has raised questions and speculation among local residents. Report by FOR EUROPE

A Face from the Past: Alpamys Bakhytuly Next to Khasenov

Alpamys Bakhytuly has long been known in the Atyrau region, but his reputation is far from spotless. Over ten years ago, he served as Managing Director of Petroline and, together with company director Yerlan Kozhakmetov, was found guilty under Article 183 of the Criminal Code for the transportation, acquisition, sale, storage, and processing of oil and petroleum products without documentation confirming their legal origin.

In other words, Bakhytuly and Kozhakmetov were engaged in domestic hydrocarbon smuggling, a case that caused a major scandal in the region. Both received two-year suspended sentences, and the case was thoroughly investigated by the Atyrau Department for Combating Economic and Corruption Crimes.

The Petroline Smuggling Case and Yerlan Kozhakmetov

Investigations revealed the scale of the operations. While Bakhytuly and Kozhakmetov attempted to legalize their activities, the state suffered significant financial losses. The main transport prosecutor’s office filed a lawsuit against the company and its executives to recover the damage caused to the economy.

According to the regional newspaper “Ak Zhaik”, prosecutor Zhanbolat Sidaleev reported that the court ruled in favor of the state, recovering 587 million tenge in damages.

Court and Compensation: Millions of Tenge Recovered by the State

Notably, Yerlan Kozhakmetov remains listed in the official debtor registry, with debts exceeding 610 million tenge, and he is prohibited from leaving the country.

Meanwhile, Alpamys Bakhytuly appears to be far more comfortable. If the man in the photo is indeed him, Bakhytuly now participates in international negotiations on behalf of KMG, representing the national company at a high level.

Bakhytuly’s Current Role: What Is He Supervising at KMG?

Assuming the photo is authentic, the question arises: what responsibilities does he hold at KazMunayGas? Can a former convict for oil smuggling oversee issues related to hydrocarbon transportation, processing, or documentation?

Is the national company really allowing someone with a criminal past in economic crimes to occupy key positions? If so, how does this affect KMG’s reputation and the trust of international partners like Turkish Petroleum Corporatin?

Questions for the National Company: Transparency or Schemes?

Bakhytuly’s presence next to Khasenov raises multiple concerns:

• Is he involved in matters related to illegal hydrocarbon transportation?

• Does he control documentation and processing procedures for petroleum products?

• Is there a risk of repeating schemes for which he was already convicted?

Residents of Atyrau and oil industry experts are already discussing the photo and asking: how safe is it to trust the national company with such a participant?

Official Debtor Registers

According to public records, Yerlan Kozhakmetov remains in the official debtor registry, with obligations exceeding 610 million tenge. This is verified information available through government databases. In contrast, Alpamys Bakhytuly, despite his involvement in the Petroline case and suspended sentence, is not listed, raising new questions about possible discrepancies in legal and financial accountability.

Reputation Implications

The presence of a former convicted oil smuggler next to KMG Chairman Askhat Khasenov inevitably impacts the national company’s image. Even if Bakhytuly’s role is purely formal, the public and international partners may question the transparency of corporate processes and trust in the company’s strategy.

Maria Sharapova