Russian rapper Navai (real name — Navai Bakhman oglu Bakirov) was detained on October 13, 2026, at the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border and remanded in custody by a court for two months. According to local and Russian media, the incident occurred at the Kordai border checkpoint in the Zhambyl Region when the musician was crossing the border from Kyrgyzstan into Kazakhstan. During the inspection of his vehicle, narcotic substances were found and seized — outlets report 10 grams of marijuana. A criminal case has been initiated on suspicion of drug smuggling, and pre-trial investigation measures are underway.
Detention at the Kordai Checkpoint
According to Kazakh and Russian media reports, the artist's vehicle was stopped at the Kordai border checkpoint located in the Zhambyl Region. During the vehicle inspection, officers discovered prohibited substances, which were seized as material evidence. This particular episode served as the basis for initiating a criminal case under the article on drug smuggling. At the time of his detention, the musician was heading to Kazakhstan, where he had a public performance scheduled.
Court Orders Custody Until December 14, 2026
Reports indicate that the court sanctioned Navai's arrest for two months — the preventative measure is valid until December 14, 2026, while the ruling can be appealed within three days. In a video recording distributed on the Kozachkov offcide Telegram channel and cited by media, the judge announces the decision, naming the defendant as Navai Bakhman oglu Bakirov, details that fully match the artist's real name. In justifying the decision, the court notes that the defendant lacks a place of residence in Kazakhstan and close relatives in the country, thus posing a flight risk from justice. Correspondents have sent inquiries to the press service of the Zhambyl Region Police Department and the regional court for official confirmation of details.
Astana Concert Postponed
Due to the detention, the rapper's scheduled performance in Astana on October 14 was postponed indefinitely. The organizers explained the postponement by "technical reasons" without disclosing details. Fans who bought tickets are advised to contact the respective ticketing platforms for refunds. Thus, the border incident directly impacted the artist's concert schedule in the country.
Media Reaction and Status of Information
The story of Navai's detention has attracted interest from Kazakh (NUR.KZ, KTK), Uzbek (Zamin.uz), and Russian (Mash) media alike. Publications converge on key facts: the date and place of detention, the discovery of drugs in the car, the initiation of a smuggling case, and the two-month court-ordered arrest. The video recording of the court decision being announced, circulated in open sources, further confirms the imposition of the preventative measure. Official comments from the regional police and court are pending confirmation as of publication time.
