Prosecutors in Kazakhstan's Almaty region have identified 20 private bailiffs who systematically participated in gambling, with transactions into accounts at sportsbook operator Olimpbet totaling approximately KZT180m ($392,800).
One bailiff transferred KZT139m to a gambling account over a three-year period, while another transferred KZT26m. Together, the two accounted for more than 90% of the total identified transaction value.
The Almaty Region Prosecutor's Office said: "The participation of individuals performing publicly significant functions in gambling involving such a large amount of money is contrary to professional ethics and calls into question the principles of integrity."
Prosecutorial response measures have been submitted to the Department of Justice and the regional chamber of private bailiffs, which will consider measures available under Kazakhstan's legal framework. The authorities have not stated that money connected to the bailiffs' professional activities was used for gambling.
The findings emerge amid broader scrutiny of Kazakhstan's private enforcement system. Oversight of private bailiffs is carried out by the Ministry of Justice, territorial justice authorities and the Republican Chamber of Private Bailiffs and its regional branches.
In June, Kazakhstan adopted amendments aimed at strengthening state control of enforcement proceedings and increasing the accountability of bailiffs. The Ministry of Justice has also continued digitizing enforcement procedures, including through its Digital Bailiff and AdiletGov services.
Enforcement action against individual bailiffs has continued alongside those reforms. In June, a court ordered the removal of the license of a private bailiff in Aktobe after the Ministry of Justice brought a case involving multiple breaches of enforcement legislation.
Kazakhstan has separately tightened restrictions around gambling participation. Amendments effective since September 2024 prohibit several categories of public officials, military personnel, law enforcement employees and heads of state-funded organizations from gambling, while people listed in the Unified Register of Debtors are also barred from participating.
Licensed bookmakers are integrated with state revenue information systems for the transfer of gambling-related data.
Kazakhstan also tightened lending requirements for active gamblers this month. Customers spending more than KZT300,000 across at least six gambling transactions within six months are subject to revised creditworthiness assessments based on official income.
Kazakhstan's 2024 gambling reforms expanded participation restrictions to people listed in the Unified Register of Debtors, alongside restrictions covering specified public-sector roles
