Suspicion of espionage: NSC commented on the detention of a teacher from Uzbekistan in Astana

Tengrinews.kz — Media outlets have reported the detention of 46-year-old Uzbek citizen Ikbolzhon Koraboev in Astana. The National Security Committee (KNB) has commented on the information.
According to reports, Koraboev is suspected of espionage under Article 176 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan.
The Tengrinews.kz editorial office sent an official request to the National Security Committee asking for confirmation of the detention.
The KNB stated that details regarding the pre-trial investigation are not subject to disclosure.

"We inform you that, in accordance with Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code, materials of a pre-trial investigation are not subject to public disclosure. In compliance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Uzbek side has been officially notified through diplomatic channels," the agency reported.

It is known that Koraboev previously taught international relations at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU).
The university's press service stated that he is not currently a professor at MNU.

"Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) reports that Ikbolzhon Koraboev is not currently a professor at our university. Regarding any further information about his detention, please contact the competent authorities," the press service said.

Under Article 176 of the Criminal Code, espionage includes, in particular, the transfer, collection, theft, or storage of information constituting state secrets for the purpose of transfer to a foreign state or foreign organization. The article also provides for liability for collecting other information on behalf of foreign intelligence for use against the national interests of Kazakhstan.
Other details of the investigation have not been officially disclosed.