Assessing the impact of transparency in asset recovery on public trust: Evidence from Kazakhstan

Type of the article: Research Article AbstractThe relevance of this study stems from the global challenge of illicit capital flight and the urgent need to strengthen public trust in state institutions in countries pursuing anti-corruption reforms, particularly Kazakhstan. There is a critical need to evaluate the effectiveness of transparency mechanisms as a factor in legitimizing state policy. The study aims to assess whether transparency in asset recovery processes contributes to strengthening public trust in Kazakhstan’s state institutions, using evidence from public opinion, expert assessments, and media analysis. To achieve this goal, in 2023 a mixed-methods design was applied, combining a sociological survey (N = 1,383 respondents across all regions), 15 in-depth interviews with experts from government, academia, and civil society, and a content analysis of more than 300,000 media and social media mentions from 2022 to 2023. The results indicate a low level of perceived transparency of the Asset Recovery Committee, with an average score of 1.61 on a 3-point scale, which is statistically below the “partially transparent” level (t-test, p < 0.05). Correlation analysis identified a strong positive relationship (r = 0.793) between public awareness of illicit capital outflows and knowledge of the Committee’s functions. SWOT and PEST analyses revealed structural, legal, and technological barriers to ensuring transparency in asset recovery processes. The study concludes that a balanced approach to information disclosure – respecting investigative confidentiality while enabling public oversight – is essential for building trust. The findings provide practical guidance for policymakers in improving transparency mechanisms, enhancing anti-corruption reforms, and strengthening public administration in Kazakhstan.