Expert Witness

Acted as claimant-appointed expert on complex issues of Kazakh and post-Soviet law in Rosdale Pte Limited v. Degevol UK Limited (Commercial Court, London). The dispute concerned the recovery of valuable Kazakh mining assets allegedly misappropriated by former directors and controllers of the companies involved. The expert evidence addressed corporate governance, ownership structures, and fiduciary duties under Kazakh and post-Soviet legal systems, providing the English court with comparative legal analysis essential to resolving the case.

Provided expert support in preparation for litigation in New Zealand concerning debt recovery arising from a breach of profit-sharing obligations under a Simple Partnership Agreement. The work included analysis of substantive and procedural issues under Kazakh law, review of a relevant prior court decision, and assessment of the potential for summary judgment in New Zealand. The expert input also covered strategic alternatives for cross-border enforcement, enabling the lead counsel to develop a strong and efficient strategy for the client.

Acted as defendant-appointed expert in Anara Esim Frank v. Robert Harrison Frank, as executor of the estate of Norman Daniel Frank II Family Trust (Case No. C-2416-13-J), heard before the 430th District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas (USA). The expert affidavit addressed complex issues of Kazakh family and inheritance law and choice-of-law questions arising in a cross-border estate dispute. The matter was amicably settled between the parties.

Provided expert evidence on Kazakh law before the Supreme Court of the State of New York in Zhakiyanov & Zarubekova v. Ogai & Others(Index No. 652148/2024), a case concerning the alleged misappropriation of Kazakh mining assets and enforcement of foreign judgments. The expert opinions addressed key issues of Kazakh civil and procedural law, including jurisdiction, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, limitation periods, and available remedies, as well as the inapplicability of equitable concepts such as constructive trusts under Kazakh law.

Acted as independent expert before the Russian courts in Fund for Protection of Investors’ Rights in Foreign States v. BTA Bank JSC et al., providing an opinion on complex issues of Kazakh law relating to the choice of governing law, the scope of a jurisdiction clause, and its applicability to non-contractual disputes.

Acted as independent expert before the Russian courts in on matters of Kazakh law in Quorum Debt Management Group JSC National Atomic Company “Kazatomprom.”Prepared two expert opinions addressing substantive and conflict-of-laws issues under Kazakh law, including contractual interpretation, price determination under Article 385 of the Civil Code, and the enforceability of service and contingency-fee agreements. The opinions were relied upon by the court to establish the content and application of Kazakh civil law in cross-border contractual relations.