Officials in Kazakhstan were punished for gambling.

In Shymkent, Kazakhstan, disciplinary action is ongoing against civil servants found to be addicted to gambling. Some civil servants have been dismissed, while others are under investigation, Kazinform reports.

According to information provided by the city akimat, the relevant actions are being taken on the basis of a submission from the prosecutor's office.

A total of 54 employees were identified as involved in gambling, 30 of whom were government employees. According to official information:

14 people resigned voluntarily and were subject to disciplinary action;
10 employees were dismissed for negative reasons for gross violation of service ethics standards;
Official investigations are ongoing against another 20 people.

"This is a legal requirement. We cannot act otherwise. Of course, we regret that there could have been qualified specialists among them. But this is a disease, and they have become hostages to it. After they are fired, it will be difficult for them to find employment. However, the law applies to everyone, and no one is above it. Therefore, we are obliged to strictly adhere to its provisions," commented Deputy Akim Sarsen Kuranbek.

It was previously reported that approximately 50 government employees in Shymkent were caught engaging in online betting, despite the current ban. The total amount lost at bookmakers amounted to over 400 million tenge.

For each incident identified, the authorities promise to take strict measures.