Legal conflict over a 50 million dollar claim on the Almaty-Horgos route: court in Paris halts proceedings
On a typical day in May 2025, a considerable legal standoff went down in the Republic of Kazakhstan's court system. The plaintiffs presented a hefty claim of around $50 million, citing a medley of issues such as construction delays, customs duties, inflated tenge prices, changes in cost, pipe backfilling, abandoned road maintenance projects, and financial losses.
In the trial, the tribunal also sided with the committee's counterclaim, ordering the plaintiffs to return a sum previously paid as compensation for work delays.
The curious twist in this tale came when the Constitutional Court had previously ruled that, shockingly, foreigners could gamble freely in Kazakhstan, while the local citizens were prohibited.
Now, let's dig a little deeper into the current gambling situation in Kazakhstan. Recent legislation has focused on regulating gambling activities and enhancing control over participation. For instance, as of April 2025, certain Kazakhstanis, such as those sentenced to restricted freedom or given suspended sentences, are barred from partaking in gambling. Advertising for gambling services is also limited, confined to sports-themed media and specific gambling zones.
As for foreigners, it is unclear whether they are influenced by these rules or if there are any specific exemptions in place. Unfortunately, information on whether the Constitutional Court has expressed further opinions on this issue or not remains scarce. Given this lack of information, it's tough to offer a precise update on the current situation for foreigners participating in gambling in Kazakhstan.
But hey, who knows what the future holds? Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing legal saga!
[1] Kazakhstan's gambling laws
[2] Recent changes to Kazakhstan's gambling laws
- I find it intriguing that despite Kazakhstanis being prohibited from gambling, the tribunal announced a decision in favor of foreigners, potentially paving the way for backfilling the industry with foreign investment in finance.
- The inflated tenge prices and changes in cost, which the plaintiffs brought up in the tribunal, might have financial repercussions that extend beyond the specific case, affecting various sectors of the Kazakhstan economy.
- The industry could benefit from the recent legislation in Kazakhstan, such as the barring of certain Kazakhstanis, like those with restricted freedom or suspended sentences, from gambling, which might encourage more responsible practices and increased investment.
- It would be insightful to examine further the facts surrounding Kazakhstan's gambling laws, particularly the ambiguity around foreigners' participation, as it may provide valuable insights into the country's financial and industry development.
