[HIGHLIGHTS] The former head of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan Massimov was sentenced to 18 years for treason

Former chairman of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan, Karim Massimov, was sentenced to 18 years in prison with confiscation of property for high treason. In March, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced an attempt to seize power in Kazakhstan in January by "external and internal enemies" 15 cases of treason and attempts to seized power are being investigated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Kazakhstan was a victim of international gangs in January. In particular, Massimov and his deputy, Anuar Sadykulov, were arrested.