VTB Bank PJSC v (1) Timur Orazbekovich Kuanyshev (2) Evgeny Vyacheslavovich Shlenskikh (Aka Yevgeniy Shlyonskikh) (3) Shev Energy LLC-FZ (4) Alfiya Abulkhair Askar (Aka Alfiya Kuanysheva) (5) Munira Orhayevna Baymenova (Aka Munira Orhaevna Baimenova) [2026] DIFC CFI 121 (15 April 2026)

VTB Bank PJSC v (1) Timur Orazbekovich Kuanyshev (2) Evgeny Vyacheslavovich Shlenskikh (Aka Yevgeniy Shlyonskikh) (3) Shev Energy LLC-FZ (4) Alfiya Abulkhair Askar (Aka Alfiya Kuanysheva) (5) Munira Orhayevna Baymenova (Aka Munira Orhaevna Baimenova) [2026] DIFC CFI 121 (15 April 2026)

The Respondents were served with the WFO and WFO Continuation Order and failed to comply with asset disclosure and witness statement requirements. Their excuses are not credible or admissible. Contempt is proved beyond reasonable doubt. The Court imposes fines and refers the matter to the Attorney General as sanctions available are inadequate to reflect the seriousness of the deliberate and continuing breach.

Citation
[2026] DIFC CFI 121
Parties
Claimant/applicant: VTB Bank PJSC; Defendant/respondent: Timur Orazbekovich Kuanyshev; Defendant/respondent: Evgeny Vyacheslavovich Shlenskikh (Aka Yevgeniy Shlyonskikh); Defendant/respondent: Shev Energy LLC-FZ; Defendant/respondent: Alfiya Abulkhair Askar (Aka Alfiya Kuanysheva); Defendant/respondent: Munira Orhayevna Baymenova (Aka Munira Orhaevna Baimenova)
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Judgment Date
15 April 2026
Procedural Posture
Committal Application for Contempt of Court (cfi 121/2025) / Final Order and Reasons at Court of First Instance
Outcome
Committal Application granted; Respondents found in contempt.
Legal Topics
Contempt of Court, Worldwide Freezing Order, Asset Disclosure, Jurisdiction, Sanctions
Civil Procedure Banking Law International Enforcement Contempt of Court Worldwide Freezing Order Asset Disclosure Jurisdiction Sanctions

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Parties

VTB Bank PJSC

Claimant/applicant

Timur Orazbekovich Kuanyshev

Defendant/respondent

Evgeny Vyacheslavovich Shlenskikh (Aka Yevgeniy Shlyonskikh)

Defendant/respondent

Shev Energy LLC-FZ

Defendant/respondent

Alfiya Abulkhair Askar (Aka Alfiya Kuanysheva)

Defendant/respondent

Munira Orhayevna Baymenova (Aka Munira Orhaevna Baimenova)

Defendant/respondent

Procedural Posture

Committal Application for Contempt of Court (cfi 121/2025) / Final Order and Reasons at Court of First Instance

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Respondents are in contempt for failing to comply with asset disclosure and witness statement orders under the WFO and WFO Continuation Order
  2. 2 Whether fines and referral to Attorney General are appropriate sanctions for contempt
  3. 3 Jurisdictional objections to DIFC Court's authority

Ratio Decidendi

The Respondents were served with the WFO and WFO Continuation Order and failed to comply with asset disclosure and witness statement requirements. Their excuses are not credible or admissible. Contempt is proved beyond reasonable doubt. The Court imposes fines and refers the matter to the Attorney General as sanctions available are inadequate to reflect the seriousness of the deliberate and continuing breach.

Court Disposition

Committal Application granted; Respondents found in contempt.

Orders

  • No order on Cross Examination Application.
  • Fines imposed: USD 250,000 on Mr Kuanyshev; USD 150,000 on Mr Shlenskikh; USD 150,000 on Shev Energy; USD 250,000 on Mrs Kuanysheva; USD 150,000 on Ms Baymenova.