Also referred to by the abbreviationsKNB[1][2] orNSC,[3] or unofficially as theKazakh National Security Service[4]
TheNational Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NSC)[a] is an intelligence agency inKazakhstan founded on 13 July 1992.[3][5] It primarily manages theBorder Service of Kazakhstan, which conducts oversight over theinternational borders ofKazakhstan. The NSC also oversees the Arystan ('Lions') commando unit.[6]
The NSC was created in accordance with a law passed by parliament in July 1992 which authorised the establishment of an agency to replace theKGB, the old national security apparatus of theSoviet Union. Initially, it retained most of the staff which the KGB had employed in Kazakhstan, as well as the powers the KGB had held; its first head, Bulat Baekenov, had worked for the KGB for over two decades. Its early years were marked by close cooperation with Russia on issues of border security and counter-intelligence against alleged foreign spies.[1]
In December 1995, a new presidential decree modified some of the NSC's powers.[7]
In January 2010, Kazakhstani presidentNursultan Nazarbayev appointed his nephew Samat Abish as the NSC's head of human resources; opposition lawmakerSerikbolsyn Abdildin of theCommunist Party of Kazakhstan claimed this shows that Nazarbayev considers personal loyalty more important than skill in government posts.[2]
In November 2008, journalistRamazan Yesergepov published an article entitled "Who Rules the Country: President or National Security Committee?" It contained private NSC correspondence which was later listed as classified, resulting in his 2009 arrest and conviction on security charges.[8] The case led to domestic and international condemnation.[9][10] In early 2021, the NSC, in coordination with theForeign Ministry and theUnited States, conducted an operation under the auspices of "Operation Zhusan" to return a group of Kazakhstani citizens from Syria.[11][12]
Counterintelligence Service, support law enforcement in neutralizing threats to national security.
Anti-Terror Service, protects the country from terrorist threats.
Economic Security Service, suppresses activities aimed at causing economic damage to Kazakhstan.
Information and Cyber Security Service, ensures the protection of the nation from internal and external threats to cyberspace.
Department of Military Counterintelligence, serves to identify, prevent and suppress in the Armed Forces, other troops and military formations, intelligence and other activities aimed at damaging the security of the republic.
Service "A", suppresses acts of terrorism.
Nominal structureStructural divisions and departments of the National Security Committee:
Counterintelligence Service
Military Police Department of the National Security Committee
The Arystan ("Lions") Commando Unit (Russian:специального назначения «Арыстан»,romanized: spetsial'nogo naznacheniya "Arystan") is aspecial forces unit of the Office of the NSC and the armed forces.[14] It was created as part of the Presidential Security Service on 13 January 1992. It succeeded theAlpha Group of the SovietKGB based in theAlmaty Oblast (12th Group), which was dissolved in October 1990. Since April 1993, the unit has been referred to as the Arystan Unit. Every year, personnel of the unit are required to pass a qualifying exam. It currently operates inAstana,Almaty, andAktau (the latter being done in order to ensure safety in the oil-producing fields).[15] Its nickname is theHoly Slim of Kazakhstan (Kazakh:Қасиетті Елім Қазақстан,romanized: Qasiettı Elım Qazaqstan). Today's training of "Arystan" is based on extensive international experience, having training from the Special Purpose Center (CSN) of theRussianFederal Security Service, the AmericanCentral Intelligence Agency andFederal Bureau of Investigation, as well as theGSG 9 of the GermanFederal Police. Notable commanders includeViktor Fyodorovich Karpukhin andAmangeldy Shabdarbayev.
In 2006, five members of the unit were arrested and charged with the kidnapping and death of the co-chairman of the oppositionNaghyz Ak Zhol partyAltynbek Sarsenbayuly, as well as his driver and bodyguard.[16] Interior MinisterBaurzhan Mukhamedzhanov stated that the unit members were paid $25,000 in return for committing the murder.[17]
Sat Tokpakbayev (December 1993 – November 1995) left his post to take up the chairmanship of the Special Security Division (Специализированное охранное подразделение) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs[18]
Dzhenisbek Dzhumanbekov (November 1995 – May 1997) his term was marked by scandal over illegal dealings with Iran, and his vice-chairman was sacked; Dzhumanbekov himself resigned from his position and left public life[18]
Chairman Musaev's second term was ended by dismissal from his post due to personal conflicts with the president and other elites[18]
Chairman Nurtai Abykayev was dismissed from his post for his role in a scandal over the sale of oldMiG fighter planes toNorth Korea by the Kazakhstan Ministry of Defense, and replaced by his predecessor.[18][22][23]
Adil Shayakhmetov was removed from his post in the aftermath of the arrest of Prosecutor-General's Office officialMurat Musabekov, who was fingered as allegedly plotting a coup in an anonymous letter allegedly circulated by NSC officers.[23][19]
^Kazakh:Қазақстан Республикасының Ұлттық қауіпсіздік комитеті, ҰҚК,romanized: Qazaqstan Respublikasynyñ Ūlttyq qauıpsızdık komitetı, ŪQK;Russian:Комитет национальной безопасности Республики Казахстан, КНБ
