Deaths of military personnel in the Caspian: former commander detained

Kanat Niyazbekov, the former commander of the Kazakhstani Naval Forces, has been detained in connection with the criminal case opened following the deaths of 14 military personnel during naval exercises in the Caspian Sea. A court has authorized his detention.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Niyazbekov is suspected of negligence in the performance of his official duties. He has been placed in a temporary detention facility, and the investigation is ongoing. Niyazbekov had been relieved of his post as Naval Forces commander on October 3.
As a reminder, on September 24, 17 military personnel were swept into the sea during exercises in the Mangystau region. Three were rescued, while 14 lost their lives. Five officials had previously been detained in connection with the tragedy.
It was also announced that 13 criminal cases have been initiated following inspections at the Ministry of Defense, involving allegations of the misappropriation of state property and abuse of office.