Abstract
This article examines the institutional and legal aspects of combating corruption in the Republic of Kazakhstan through the prism of criminal law. It emphasizes that corruption undermines the foundations of statehood, disrupts the rule of law, and reduces public trust in government institutions, posing a threat to national security. Based on an analysis of legislation and strategic documents, as well as a comparative legal analysis with international standards, a comprehensive approach to reforming criminal legislation and strengthening the institutional infrastructure is proposed. The research demonstrates that the effectiveness of combating corruption largely depends on the consistency of criminal law regulation and the coherence of institutional mechanisms involved in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of corruption-related offenses. A comparative analysis with international standards and foreign practices confirms the need to adapt national legislation to ensure greater legal certainty and uniformity of law enforcement practice. In conclusion, strengthening anti-corruption policy requires a comprehensive approach combining legislative reform, institutional development, and the formation of a sustainable anti-corruption culture. Improving investigative and judicial practices, enhancing preventive measures, and ensuring alignment with international anti-corruption standards may significantly increase the effectiveness of criminal law responses to corruption