Will Kazakhstan open a criminal case against Nurlan Saburov in 2026?

Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee of Kazakhstan (KNB) has confirmed it is conducting preliminary checks concerning Nurlan Saburov following media inquiries about possible violations of criminal law, including Article 170 of the Criminal Code (“Mercenarism”). The announcement follows online circulation of videos alleging that Saburov may have financially assisted Russian military personnel. The KNB stated that the information has been “taken under review” and that verification measures are underway. The development comes shortly after Saburov was banned from entering Russia for 50 years, allegedly due to political statements and migration-related issues. While Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry described Russia’s decision as an internal matter, the key uncertainty now lies in whether Kazakhstan’s review will remain a preliminary inquiry—or escalate into a formal criminal case under Article 170 or another provision of the Criminal Code.