Caspian tragedy: 13 criminal cases opened in phase 1 of Defense Ministry audit

Thirteen criminal cases have been opened across the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan following the initial phase of a high-level military audit, exposing deep-seated systemic failures that led to a major loss of life during training exercises in the Caspian Sea, according to Qazinform News Agency and QRNews.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the preliminary findings on Monday from the Commission for the Comprehensive Audit of the Ministry of Defense. Aida Balayeva, who serves as Commission Chair and Deputy Chair of Kazakhstan's Security Council, briefed the Head of State on the early outcomes of the investigation, as reported by Trend. The sweeping probe follows a disaster on 24 September during the Khazar Qorgany — 2026 military drills in the country's sector of the Caspian Sea, situated in the Mangystau region. During the exercises, 17 servicemen were swept out to sea amid a storm and strong winds. Fourteen of the soldiers died, while three survived. A national day of mourning was subsequently declared on 25 September.

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The tragedy prompted swift political fallout. On 27 September, President Tokayev signed a decree relieving Dauren Kossanov of his duties as Minister of Defense, subsequently appointing Aidos Myrzakhmetov to lead the ministry. A presidential decree also established the inspection commission to examine the Armed Forces. Personnel who lost their lives have been posthumously awarded state decorations, while the three survivors received the Erligi Ushin (For Courage) medal.

Preliminary results from the audit indicate severe miscalculations in military activity planning, critical deficiencies in risk assessment, flawed organization of airborne operations and troop deployment, and an overall lack of proper oversight by former leadership. Prosecutors have initiated 13 criminal proceedings addressing potential state property embezzlement, abuse of official authority, and separate infractions within organizations and units subordinate to the ministry. Furthermore, investigators identified breakdowns in military discipline, establishing instances of hazing and violence against servicemen that have triggered additional criminal filings.

Pre-trial investigations into criminal negligence by command staff remain active. Five officials have been arrested, with their final legal evaluations pending the completion of inquiries. President Tokayev emphasized that all individuals responsible for the deaths of service members must face full legal accountability, noting that the issue remains under his personal supervision.

The audit findings are slated to directly influence the drafting of a comprehensive Armed Forces Reform Plan. President Tokayev instructed the commission, alongside the newly appointed defense leadership, to formulate specific remedial proposals within ten days, ensuring the military is capable of addressing modern security threats while upholding strict constitutional principles of law and order.

As the audit continues without interrupting ongoing combat readiness, further updates are anticipated as the Security Council Office and the Ministry of Defense finalize structural overhaul proposals.