Brussels, 23 October. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is investigating supplies from Kazakhstan of down, feathers and animal or vegetable fats and oils; Deputy Trade and Integration Minister Zhanel Kushukova discussed the investigations in Brussels with OLAF Director-General Petr Klement.
What violations the European side suspects and which companies are under scrutiny have not been disclosed. The European side briefed on the progress of the checks, while the Kazakh side provided information about domestic producers, their production programmes and interest in continuing exports to the EU, and declared its readiness to ensure transparency of export operations and comply with EU law.
The two sides agreed to exchange information. Kazakhstan invited OLAF representatives to visit the enterprises whose products feature in the investigations. No deadline for completing the checks or possible consequences for exporters have been given. OLAF is a body of the European Commission that investigates fraud against the EU budget, including evasion of customs duties.
What it means: Kazakh exports of several product groups to the EU have come under scrutiny by the European anti-fraud office, and the government is trying to protect producers through openness while the substance of the claims remains unknown.
Who benefits: Honest exporters benefit from a quick end to the checks; if violations are confirmed, specific suppliers will be at risk. The sources do not name the companies.
Background: The Ministry of Trade and Integration did not give the volume of Kazakh exports of these goods to the EU or the names of exporters.
List of sources used: Negizgi Aqsha, BES.media
Artificial intelligence was used in preparing this material.
