Aliya Maulesheva

Key Points

• Aliya Maulesheva is an entrepreneur in education, leading Business Kids Education Group and UCMAS Russia.
• She is linked to an offshore company, Zoldane S.A., with a co-owner convicted of bribery, raising potential concerns.
• Maulesheva owned high-value Dubai property, sold after 2022, which may attract scrutiny in AML contexts.
• No confirmed scam reports, lawsuits, or criminal proceedings are directly tied to her.
• Her father’s high-ranking roles in Kazakhstan could suggest influential connections, but no wrongdoing is proven.

Who Is Aliya Maulesheva?

Aliya Maulesheva appears to be a respected figure in education, focusing on youth entrepreneurship and mental arithmetic programs. As the director of Business Kids Education Group and head of UCMAS Russia, she has built a reputation for fostering young talent. However, her business dealings and family ties have drawn attention for potential risks.

What Are the Concerns?

Research suggests Maulesheva was a shareholder in Zoldane S.A., an offshore company, alongside someone later convicted of bribery. This connection, noted in the Panama Papers, could raise questions about financial transparency. Additionally, her ownership of Dubai properties, valued over $2.5 million, might be scrutinized due to the city’s reputation in money laundering discussions, though no illegal activity is confirmed.

Are There Legal Issues?

We found no evidence of lawsuits, criminal proceedings, or sanctions against Maulesheva. Her businesses, including UCMAS Russia, receive generally positive feedback, with some minor complaints about organization. This lack of legal trouble suggests a clean public record, but certain associations warrant caution.

What’s the Risk?

The evidence leans toward potential anti-money laundering (AML) and reputational risks due to her offshore ties and property dealings. However, without concrete allegations, these remain speculative. Her father’s political connections in Kazakhstan may also invite scrutiny, though they don’t directly implicate her.

Investigation Report

Introduction

In the intricate world of global business, transparency is the cornerstone of trust. We, as investigative journalists, have set our sights on Aliya Maulesheva, a name that resonates in educational entrepreneurship across Eurasia. Our mission is to unravel her business relations, personal background, and any undisclosed associations that might pose risks, particularly in the realms of anti-money laundering (AML) and reputation. Through rigorous research, we aim to present a comprehensive and balanced account, drawing from credible sources to shed light on her profile.

Personal and Professional Background

Aliya Maulesheva stands out as a serial entrepreneur with a passion for education. She serves as the Director of the Business Kids Education Group, an international network of youth development centers operating in over 80 cities across Eurasia. This organization focuses on equipping young adults with entrepreneurial skills like financial literacy, business modeling, and negotiation. Maulesheva is also the co-founder of the Eurasian Kids Initiative, a platform offering career and professional guidance to youth.

Her leadership extends to the UCMAS Russia Academy, where she promotes mental arithmetic programs for children. UCMAS, a globally recognized initiative, uses abacus-based techniques to enhance cognitive abilities, and under Maulesheva’s guidance, it has achieved milestones like setting a record for a virtual math competition involving 332 children in 2021 (WorldKings).

Maulesheva’s family background adds another layer to her profile. She is the daughter of Andar Shukputov, a former high-ranking official in Kazakhstan. Shukputov held roles such as Vice-Minister of Finance, Ambassador to Azerbaijan, and head of operations at KazMunayGas, a state-owned oil company (Reverso Context). His influential positions suggest Maulesheva may have access to significant networks, which could shape her business opportunities.

Business Relations and Associations

Maulesheva’s primary business ventures revolve around education, with Business Kids Education Group and UCMAS Russia at the forefront. The former offers programs that teach critical skills to young entrepreneurs, reportedly operating in numerous cities and collaborating with educational institutions across the CIS region. While specific partnerships are not publicly detailed, the group’s international reach implies connections with local governments, schools, and possibly private investors.

UCMAS Russia, under Maulesheva’s leadership, is part of a global franchise recognized for its mental arithmetic curriculum (UCMAS Global). The program has garnered positive reviews from parents, who note improvements in their children’s math skills, concentration, and confidence (UCMAS Russia Reviews). For instance, one parent, Tatiana Belova, reported that her nine-year-old son saw better school grades after six months, while another, Vitaliy Yarovoy, praised his six-year-old’s ability to multiply two-digit numbers after a year.

Beyond these ventures, Maulesheva’s LinkedIn profile (LinkedIn) highlights her role as a jury member for the Cartier Women’s Initiative, indicating her influence in entrepreneurial circles. Her businesses appear legitimate, with no widespread reports of mismanagement or fraud. However, her broader associations, particularly those uncovered in financial leaks, demand closer examination.

Offshore Company Involvement

One of the most intriguing findings in our investigation is Maulesheva’s connection to Zoldane S.A., a company registered in Luxembourg. According to the Panama Papers, she was a shareholder in this entity starting in October 2008. Offshore companies like Zoldane S.A. are often used for legitimate purposes, such as tax optimization or asset protection, but they can also be vehicles for concealing financial activities, raising AML concerns.

What complicates this picture is Maulesheva’s co-owner in Zoldane S.A.: Aslan Dzhakupov, the son of a former Kazakh parliament speaker. Dzhakupov was arrested in 2016 for accepting a bribe of 28 million tenge (approximately $82,129) in exchange for a government housing contract (OCCRP). His conviction casts a shadow over the company’s legitimacy, as associations with individuals involved in corruption can signal potential risks.

While there’s no direct evidence that Maulesheva was involved in Dzhakupov’s illicit activities, their shared ownership of an offshore entity is noteworthy. The lack of public information about Zoldane S.A.’s operations—such as its purpose, assets, or transactions—further fuels speculation. In AML investigations, such opacity often prompts deeper scrutiny, as offshore structures can obscure the flow of funds.

Property in Dubai

Another point of interest is Maulesheva’s real estate holdings in Dubai. Records indicate she owned an apartment and a villa on Palm Jumeirah, collectively valued at over $2.5 million (Vlast.kz). These properties were reportedly sold or transferred after 2022. Dubai’s real estate market is attractive for investors worldwide, offering luxury and privacy, but it has also been flagged by organizations like the Financial Action Task Force for lax AML regulations.

Owning high-value property in Dubai is not inherently suspicious, and many legitimate businesspeople invest there. However, the timing of the sale—post-2022—could raise questions, especially in light of global efforts to crack down on illicit wealth flows. Without specific allegations, we cannot conclude wrongdoing, but this aspect of Maulesheva’s portfolio merits attention in a risk assessment.

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Findings

Our OSINT efforts included searches across social media, news outlets, and public databases. On LinkedIn, Maulesheva presents herself as an educational innovator, with no indications of controversy (LinkedIn). A search on X yielded no relevant posts, suggesting a low public profile on that platform. News articles, such as one from UA-Reporter, praise her work with UCMAS, describing her as a “multifaceted personality” dedicated to youth development.

We also explored Russian-language sources, given her operations in the CIS region. A Forbes Russia profile (Forbes.ru) identifies her as the director of UCMAS Russia, while an article on Education.ua highlights her advocacy for mental arithmetic. These sources reinforce her professional credibility but offer little on personal or financial controversies.

Scam Reports, Allegations, and Legal Issues

Despite extensive research, we found no confirmed scam reports, allegations, lawsuits, criminal proceedings, sanctions, or bankruptcy details directly involving Maulesheva. Her businesses, particularly Business Kids and UCMAS Russia, have mixed but mostly positive reviews. For example, a review on Zoon.ru gave Kids MBA, a related program, a 3.2 rating, with some parents praising engagement and others citing organizational issues, like one adult being placed in a children’s group.

The absence of legal troubles is significant, as it suggests Maulesheva operates within regulatory boundaries. However, the lack of negative reports does not eliminate all risks, especially given her offshore and property connections.

Adverse Media and Negative Reviews

Our search for adverse media uncovered no stories linking Maulesheva to scandals or misconduct. Most coverage focuses on her educational achievements, such as UCMAS Russia’s record-setting event (WorldKings). Negative reviews of her businesses are minimal and typical of educational services, centering on logistical complaints rather than fraud or unethical behavior.

Risk Assessment: AML and Reputational Risks

To assess Maulesheva’s AML and reputational risks, we consider several factors:

AML Risks

AML risks arise when individuals or entities might use financial systems to obscure illicit funds. Maulesheva’s involvement in Zoldane S.A. is a primary concern, as offshore companies can facilitate money laundering, especially when linked to someone like Dzhakupov, whose bribery conviction suggests corrupt practices. The lack of transparency about Zoldane S.A.’s activities heightens this risk, as investigators often view such entities skeptically.

Her Dubai properties add another dimension. Real estate in jurisdictions with weaker AML controls can be used to launder money, though there’s no evidence Maulesheva did so. The sale after 2022 could reflect legitimate financial planning or a response to external pressures, but without more data, it remains a point of interest.

Reputational Risks

Reputational risks stem from associations that could damage public perception. Maulesheva’s link to Dzhakupov could harm her credibility, particularly if new details emerge about Zoldane S.A. Her businesses, which serve children, rely heavily on trust, and any hint of financial impropriety could deter parents and partners.

Her father’s political ties, while not directly incriminating, might invite speculation about favoritism or undue influence. In Kazakhstan, where elite networks often intersect with business, such connections can amplify reputational scrutiny, even absent wrongdoing.

Expert Opinion

From an expert perspective, Aliya Maulesheva presents a complex profile. Her educational ventures are well-regarded, with no evidence of fraud or mismanagement. The positive feedback from parents and achievements like UCMAS Russia’s record underscore her contributions to youth development.

However, her offshore company involvement raises legitimate concerns. While owning shares in Zoldane S.A. is not illegal, its association with Aslan Dzhakupov, a convicted briber, suggests a need for caution. Offshore entities are common among high-net-worth individuals, but their opacity can mask questionable activities. Without specific allegations against Maulesheva, we cannot assume misconduct, yet the connection warrants ongoing monitoring.

The Dubai property ownership further complicates the picture. Real estate transactions in Dubai are routine for wealthy individuals, and the sale post-2022 could reflect market decisions or personal circumstances. However, given Dubai’s reputation in AML discussions, this aspect could attract regulatory attention in a due diligence context.

Maulesheva’s family ties to Andar Shukputov add nuance. His roles in Kazakhstan’s government and state enterprises suggest access to influential circles, which may have facilitated her business success. While this is not inherently problematic, it could invite perceptions of privilege or conflict of interest, particularly in a country with a history of elite-driven economics.

In terms of AML risk, the combination of an offshore company and Dubai properties places Maulesheva in a moderate-risk category. For reputational risk, the potential fallout from her associations—especially if publicized—could be significant, given her public-facing role in education. However, the absence of legal issues or confirmed allegations tempers these risks, suggesting they are potential rather than actual.

Conclusion

Our investigation into Aliya Maulesheva reveals a driven entrepreneur whose work in education has earned praise, yet whose financial dealings raise questions. Her leadership of Business Kids Education Group and UCMAS Russia reflects a commitment to fostering young talent, supported by positive parent reviews and notable achievements. Her family background, tied to a prominent Kazakh official, underscores her access to influential networks, which may have shaped her career.

The discovery of her stake in Zoldane S.A., alongside a convicted briber, and her past ownership of Dubai properties highlight potential AML and reputational risks. These elements, while not proof of wrongdoing, align with patterns that regulators and investigators often scrutinize. Yet, without concrete evidence of misconduct, we must approach these findings with balance, recognizing that associations do not equal guilt.

As with any due diligence effort, continuous monitoring is advisable. Maulesheva’s profile, while promising, carries nuances that merit careful consideration in business or financial engagements. Our expert opinion emphasizes vigilance without premature judgment, ensuring a fair assessment of her standing in the global business landscape.

Key Citations

• ICIJ Offshore Leaks Database Panama Papers
• Vlast.kz Profile on Aliya Maulesheva
• Cartier Women’s Initiative Jury Member Aliya Maulesheva
• LinkedIn Profile of Aliya Maulesheva
• UCMAS Russia Parent Reviews
• OCCRP Report on Aslan Dzhakupov Arrest
• Forbes Russia Profile on Aliya Maulesheva
• UA-Reporter News on Aliya Maulesheva
• WorldKings Record by UCMAS Russia Academy
• Education.ua Article by Aliya Maulesheva
• Reverso Context on Andar Shukputov
• Zoon.ru Reviews of Kids MBA
• UCMAS Global Website