Kazakhstan files a 15 million dollar lawsuit in Switzerland over oil sector corruption
Kazakhstan has initiated legal proceedings in Switzerland, seeking about fifteen million dollars plus interest from companies and individuals accused of participating in corruption schemes linked to oil industry projects. The lawsuit was filed to strengthen the country's position in arbitration disputes with international oil consortia. According to official bodies, this step is regarded as an element of a strategy aimed at using additional legal mechanisms in foreign jurisdictions. It complements the main line of disputes concerning claims related to the operations of major companies at Kazakhstan’s oil fields.
According to case materials, evidence obtained in American and Italian court proceedings plays an important role in Kazakhstan’s argumentation. It is noted that during earlier investigations in Italy, several contractors connected to projects of a major international company were found guilty of corruption in two thousand seventeen. While the company itself was acquitted, Kazakhstan argues that the violations revealed indicate the existence of a scheme that resulted in a significant inflation of contract values. According to the Kazakh side, the value of contracts rose from eighty eight million to four hundred ninety million due to a series of additional agreements.
The companies involved deny the accusations and argue that earlier rulings by foreign courts do not confirm the responsibility of large corporations. Representatives of one company stated that a US court rejected a significant portion of Kazakhstan’s requests for document disclosure. They believe that the available materials do not confirm the allegations made. However, the Kazakh side intends to use the Swiss court decision as an additional tool to examine the details of contracts and financial operations. According to government agencies, the lawsuit will allow the use of local legal provisions that expand the possibilities for obtaining information.
An important aspect of the dispute is its connection to broader arbitration cases affecting Kazakhstan’s interests in the oil sector. The total volume of claims across several arbitration proceedings is estimated at around one hundred sixty six billion dollars. Most of the claims concern lost revenue from the development of a major oil field, where technical problems and long delays in production startup were recorded. These delays, according to Kazakhstan, caused significant financial losses. The cases are being reviewed by international arbitration institutions, and their outcomes may influence the state’s future cooperation with foreign investors.
The Swiss lawsuit is viewed as part of a set of measures aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in ongoing disputes. This approach allows the use of legal mechanisms in multiple countries simultaneously. Experts note that Switzerland’s involvement in reviewing certain episodes may provide access to additional documents. Bodies responsible for international legal processes continue analyzing materials and forming arguments to support the state’s position. According to official agencies, the current lawsuit is not an independent major dispute but serves as an instrument that complements the main arbitration line.
The situation is developing, and further decisions will depend on procedural activity in various jurisdictions. Kazakhstan continues to defend its position in arbitration cases involving international corporations working on field development. It is expected that the review of the Swiss lawsuit will provide additional materials that may be used in other proceedings. Government agencies emphasize that the aim of these actions is to ensure transparency and clarify circumstances related to the history of contract execution. Further examination of key episodes is expected in the coming months.