Kazakhstan: Defence Ministry inspection leads to 13 criminal cases after 14 soldiers die
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered a sweeping inspection after the 24 September Caspian tragedy. The result: 13 criminal cases, a change of minister and a two-year military reform.
A comprehensive inspection of Kazakhstan's Defence Ministry has led to 13 criminal cases. The inspection was launched after 14 servicemen died during an exercise in the Caspian Sea.
The tragedy
On 24 September 2026, the 'Khazar Qorgany 2026' exercise was held in Kazakhstan's sector of the Caspian Sea (Mangystau region, about 43 km from Aktau). A strong storm swept soldiers disembarking from the patrol boat Qaisar into the sea: 17 fell into the water, 14 died and 3 were rescued. According to reports, the men were weighed down by heavy gear and lacked marine life jackets.
The inspection and criminal cases
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered the inspection, led by Deputy Chair of the Security Council Aida Balayeva. First-stage results were presented to the president on 5 October. The inspection found systemic failures in exercise planning, risk assessment and safety, as well as suspected theft of state property. In total 13 criminal cases were opened — for embezzlement of state property, abuse of office, negligent performance of duty and violence against servicemen. The amount embezzled was not officially disclosed.
Personnel and reform
Defence Minister Dauren Kosanov was dismissed on 27 September and replaced by Aidos Myrzakhmetov. On 3 October three more senior officials — the chief of the general staff, his deputy and the navy commander — left their posts; five military officials had earlier been detained. Tokayev announced a two-year military reform and demanded a reform plan within days. He attributed the deaths to the 'criminal unprofessionalism of officers, including generals.'
