Prosecutors in Pavlodar Region, Kazakhstan, have uncovered widespread violations in the sports sector - ranging from embezzlement and fictitious contracts to coaches working with forged diplomas.

The inspection covered stadiums, swimming pools, sports schools, ice arenas, and football domes, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Investigators found that many facilities were being used by private entrepreneurs who paid no rent. In one case in Pavlodar, a hockey rink was used free of charge for three years, while all utility costs were covered by the state budget.

The prosecutors noted that sports schools recorded embezzlement and fictitious payments totaling 10 million tenge ($19,880). In one district, an accountant transferred around 6 million tenge ($11,928) to herself over three years. That case has already been sent to court under charges of embezzlement using an official position.

Investigators also found that some facilities employed coaches with fake diplomas, as well as individuals previously convicted of crimes against public health and morality. In addition, certain staff members signed fictitious contracts for athletes’ accommodation in hotels that do not exist, causing further damage estimated at 2.8 million tenge ($5,566).

Prosecutors highlighted serious infrastructure problems as well. Most facilities were found to be in emergency condition, with crumbling stands, leaking roofs, and no access for people with disabilities. Many premises fail to meet basic sanitary and fire safety standards, raising concerns about safety and oversight in the region’s sports sector.