Kazakh publication praises Karimov for restricting his daughter's influence
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22 February 48287
The fates of the eldest daughters of the first presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan share similarities. However, while Nursultan Nazarbayev ignored the controversial actions of his daughter, Dariga Nazarbayeva—who used her influence to expand her personal wealth and become one of the richest individuals in Kazakhstan—Islam Karimov prevented his eldest daughter, Gulnara Karimova, from seizing power and held her accountable for her crimes during his lifetime. This was reported in an article published by the Kazakh newspaper "Jas Alash".
The article was published in connection with the agreement to return $182 million, illegally obtained by Gulnara Karimova, from Switzerland to the Uzbek government.
"Since his eldest daughter's fate was at risk, her assets worth millions of dollars were transferred to the state treasury. The ordeal that began after her father’s death ultimately led to her imprisonment, with all her wealth being returned to the country," the author writes.
According to the article, a trial is currently underway in England regarding luxury London properties owned by Nursultan Nazarbayev’s eldest daughter and niece. British law enforcement agencies confiscated two houses and an apartment, classifying them as “unjustified wealth.” However, the court dismissed the authorities’ claims after Dariga Nazarbayeva, her son Nurali Aliyev, and his wife Aida provided evidence that the properties were legally acquired with their own funds.
“Later, foreign media revealed that one of the properties was, in fact, the famous home of Sherlock Holmes, valued at $185 million,” the author notes.
The publication highlights that among the properties associated with Nazarbayev’s eldest daughter, the only one publicly acknowledged so far is the Duman Hotel. "Radio Liberty" reported that the hotel belongs to Dariga Nazarbayeva. The Armenia company, which purchased the hotel in 2014, is reportedly linked to both Kairat Sharipbayev and Dariga Nazarbayeva.
The property was initially slated for auction last summer, with a starting bid of 13.9 billion tenge (approximately $27.5 million), but the sale did not take place. The returned funds are now under the management of a state-appointed company, which oversees the assets and generates revenue for the government.
Overall, the newspaper notes that the two eldest daughters share several traits, particularly their strong political ambitions.
For instance, by mid-2013, Gulnara Karimova’s aspirations to rule Uzbekistan had become apparent, drawing the attention of Uzbek intelligence services. Reports on her political ambitions, financial dealings, and activities deemed inappropriate for the head of state’s daughter were passed to her then-75-year-old father. In response, Karimov severed ties with her, isolating her from the outside world and preventing her from leaving her home.
In 2014, images of her being detained by law enforcement officers in the courtyard of her palace surfaced in the media. These photos were reportedly leaked to the BBC through a London-based PR firm. After her father’s death, her trial began in 2017. What initially started as restrictions on her freedom escalated into a prison sentence—first nine years, later extended by another 13 years.
"The key difference between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is that Karimov quickly recognized his daughter's growing influence while he was still alive, removed her from the political sphere, and curtailed her power. In our case, the situation is quite the opposite," the author concludes.
Even on the eve of stepping down from power, rumors spread like wildfire across the country that the man who had ruled Kazakhstan for 30 years would "abandon his eldest daughter as his successor." Dariga Nazarbayeva had previously held key political positions, serving as a member of parliament, deputy speaker of parliament, deputy prime minister, and senator. On the very day her father "voluntarily" left office, she secured the second-highest position in the civil service by becoming the chairwoman of the parliamentary Senate. However, she lost her standing just a step away from ultimate power and returned to parliament in 2021. Following the January events, she abruptly went on vacation and has not returned to the country since.
The publication highlights that while discussions about Dariga’s luxurious mansions in London and the UAE continue, her current whereabouts remain "unknown" to Kazakhstan's authorities. Nevertheless, according to the "Forbes" list of Kazakhstan’s wealthiest individuals, published on May 6, 2024, she ranked 15th with a reported fortune of $590 million. It is important to note that the magazine only accounts for officially confirmed assets, suggesting that her total wealth could be significantly higher.
In December 2024, Kazakhstan’s State Revenue Committee website revealed that the personal tax identification numbers of Nursultan Nazarbayev, his daughters Dariga and Dinara Nazarbayeva, and his son-in-law Timur Kulibayev had disappeared. This development was reported by local media. According to the law, every Kazakhstani citizen’s personal identification number must be recorded on the platform as a taxpayer and recipient of public services. These records are only removed when a person permanently relocates abroad.
As a result, the eldest and middle daughters of former President Nursultan Nazarbayev—Dariga Nazarbayeva and Dinara Kulibayeva—were excluded from the 'Forbes Woman Kazakhstan" ranking for September 2024. This omission is unsurprising, as the ranking is exclusively for Kazakh women, suggesting that both may have officially left the country.
For reference, on June 5, 2022, Kazakhstan held a referendum on constitutional amendments, one of which removed the article defining the status and powers of the country’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Additionally, the clause ensuring the immutability of Nazarbayev’s status as the *Leader of the Nation* was abolished. On January 10, 2023, Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court declared the law On the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbasy invalid.
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