ASTANA, October 5. /TASS/. A commission conducting a comprehensive audit of Kazakhstan’s Defense Ministry has uncovered shortcomings and violations in the planning of drills in the Caspian Sea that claimed the lives of 14 servicemen on September 24, the press service of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said following a meeting with members of the commission.

"The preliminary findings of the investigation indicate serious errors in planning military activities and a lack of proper oversight by the previous leadership. The head of state emphasized that the first personnel decisions have been made, while all officials responsible for the deaths of servicemen must be held liable as prescribed by law," the statement said.

Following the first stage of the review, law enforcement agencies opened 13 criminal cases over alleged embezzlement of state property, abuse of office and other violations in the activities of Defense Ministry organizations and units.