Interview with Yertugan Utegenov, Deputy Head of the State Duma for the Mangystau region, Ethics Commissioner

The Department of State Revenue for the Mangystau region pays great attention to issues of professional ethics, anti-corruption and increasing the level of trust of citizens and businesses in the work of tax authorities.

We talked with Yertugan Kenesovich Utegenov, Deputy Head of the Department of State Revenue for the Mangystau region, Ethics Commissioner, about the role of the Ethics Commissioner, compliance with the Code of Ethics and measures to prevent violations.

— Yertugan Kenesovich, what are your duties as an ethics commissioner?

As Deputy Head of the Department and Ethics Commissioner, I am responsible for ensuring compliance with the standards of professional ethics, prevention of corruption offenses and the requirements of the Ethical Code of Civil Servants of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

We carry out explanatory work among employees, consider appeals from citizens and colleagues, organize training seminars and events aimed at the formation of a high ethical culture. The main task is for every employee to understand that honesty, impartiality and openness are not just requirements of the law, but the basis for effective and trusting work with taxpayers.

— What are the key principles of the Code of Ethics that employees of state revenue agencies should follow?

The basic principles are honesty, integrity, legality, impartiality, openness and respect for citizens. An employee may not use his official position for personal purposes, accept gifts, allow conflicts of interest, or disclose confidential information.

We regularly conduct training to ensure that these standards become the internal culture of the department. We pay special attention to young professionals — it is important to establish the right values from the first days of service.

— How often do you receive requests on ethical issues? What are the most common problems?

Appeals are received on a regular basis, both from citizens and entrepreneurs, as well as from employees themselves. Most often, people complain about the culture of communication, possible cases of red tape or inappropriate behavior in the provision of public services.

We consider each request promptly, objectively and in strict accordance with the law. In most cases, explanatory work is sufficient. Upon confirmation of violations, information is sent to the authorized bodies for taking action.

— What measures does the Department take to prevent ethics violations and corruption?

We carry out systematic preventive work: we hold seminars and meetings in the teams of all regional administrations, including Aktau, Zhanaozen and district divisions. We actively use both full-time and online learning formats.

The Ethics Commissioner participates in employee evaluations, job placement contests, and internal investigations. An important area is to work with middle managers so that they themselves become an example of ethical behavior.

— How can citizens and entrepreneurs approach you on ethics issues?

You can apply in several convenient ways:

- Personally in the building of the Department of State Revenue for the Mangystau region (Aktau, microdistrict 31B, building 35);

- By helpline: 8 (7292) 30-13-10;

- Through the citizens' address box in the DGD building.

All requests are considered confidentially and within the time limits established by law.

— What would you like to say to the taxpayers of the Mangystau region?

Today, the state revenue authorities are actively moving from a model of total control to service support for businesses and citizens. We are open to dialogue and strive to ensure that every interaction is polite, transparent and professional.

If you encounter inappropriate behavior from an employee, please do not remain silent, let us know. Only through joint efforts will we be able to maintain a high level of trust in the tax and customs services. The higher the ethical culture within the department, the more comfortable the conditions are for conscientious businesses and citizens.

— Thank you for the interview, Yertugan Kenesovich.

Yertugan Kenesovich Utegenov was born on July 30, 1976 in the Kyzylorda region. In 1997, he graduated from the Kazakh State Academy of Management. He has been working in the system of state revenue authorities for more than 25 years. Since 2019, he has held senior positions in the Department of Internal Affairs of the Mangystau region, including Head of the Audit Department. Since May 2025 — Deputy Head of the Department of State Revenue for the Mangystau region, Ethics Commissioner.

(unofficial translation)

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-mangistau/press/news/details/1209215?lang=kk