Band 4
Provided by Ravil Kassilgov
Ravil specializes in tax and customs disputes, the protection of pharmaceutical companies against unfair competition, and challenging regulatory actions and decisions by state authorities.
Ravil Kassilgov founded Kassilgov & Partners (KP) in 2015, following nine years of practice at Kazakhstan’s first law firm. For five years, KP focused on helping businesses navigate complex disputes.
In 2020, Ravil, together with partners, co-founded Kazakhstan’s first litigation boutique. In February 2025, Ravil and Aibek Kambaliyev transitioned to KP, transforming it into a new firm - Kassilgov, Kambaliyev & Partners, operating under the KP Disputes brand.
Ravil is a member of the Kazakhstan Bar Association (KazBar) and has been elected Co-Chair of KazBar’s Tax Committee. He is also a KazBar Board Member. Ravil is admitted to represent clients before the AIFC Court (Rights of Audience) and holds the status of Legal Adviser with the AIFC Legal Services Board.
Reduction of Tax Charges from $2.5 Million to $2.3 Thousand
Represented a foreign company’s branch in a tax dispute related to the construction of high-tech warehouses in the Khorgos Eastern Gate special economic zone. Our appeal led to a near-total cancellation of tax reassessments.
Reversal of Tax Dispute Decisions by the Supreme Court
Successfully challenged tax authority rulings regarding the application of deductions and reduced corporate income tax rates under an international tax treaty. Our strategic approach ensured not only the cancellation of additional tax assessments but also the completion of the mutual agreement procedure between the foreign state and Kazakhstan.
Successful Cancellation of $2.4 Million in Tax Assessments on Digital Mining Services
Defended a leading global blockchain solutions provider in multiple tax disputes concerning VAT on digital mining services provided to international clients.
Defense of a Major Real Estate Developer Against $6.2 Million in Tax Claims
Provided extensive legal support, analyzing financial and legal relationships with thirty counterparties, compiling 28 court case volumes, and successfully preventing multiple attempts by tax authorities to impose additional tax liabilities through audits and litigation.
Representation of a Foreign Bank in a $7 Million Tax Refund Case
Represented a major international bank in a dispute over the refund of withholding tax on securities transactions.
Customs Valuation Disputes on Royalty Payments
Defended a leading international fashion retailer in a dispute with customs authorities over the inclusion of royalties for software, know-how, and branding in the customs value of imported goods.
Representation of IT and Banking Equipment Companies in Customs Valuation Audits
Advised local manufacturers of banking and computer equipment in customs audits concerning the inclusion of software license fees in customs values.
Defense of a Joint Oil Venture in a $70 Million Tax and Environmental Dispute
Successfully represented the company in high-stakes litigation involving tax and environmental claims.
Representation of a Major Drilling Company in a $5 Million Customs Dispute
Represented a leading drilling company in litigation challenging the results of a customs audit, which imposed anti-dumping duties totaling approximately $5 million.
Representation of Foreign Hedge Funds in a Tax Dispute with a Major Bank
Represented clients in a complex case concerning the taxation of derivative buyback transactions.
Tax Risk Mitigation in a $1.5 Billion M&A Transaction
Provided strategic guidance to a multinational group on reducing tax risks in a high-value acquisition of 100% equity in oil and gas companies.
Recovery of $700,000 in VAT Refunds
Successfully challenged the tax authority’s denial of VAT refunds, securing the return of excess input VAT.
Representation of a Multinational Corporation in a Customs Valuation Dispute
Defended the client in a multi-million-dollar customs dispute concerning duties and penalties related to product classification.
Defense of a Major Importer in an $18 Million Tax Dispute
Represented a client in a complex tax dispute involving the import of rolled steel products, including a parallel challenge to the supplier’s tax audit results, which served as the basis for the client’s reassessment.
Russian, Kazakh, English
University of Nottingham
LLM in International Commercial Law (with distinction)
2010
«Up and Coming» in Dispute Resolution
Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific 2025
2025
Provided by Chambers
Ravil Kassilgov is recognised for his expertise handling tax dispute cases, and is particularly active in those involving VAT charges. He typically acts for international and domestic entities from various industries such as blockchain technology, pharmaceutical and manufacturing.
Provided by Chambers
Ravil knows how to build arguments that are understandable to the court, even in the most controversial situations.
Ravil is exclusively client-oriented, listens to the client's requests and needs, and is ready to perform tasks of any complexity.
Ravil is very trustworthy, demonstrates a strong sense of empathy, and shows a willingness to help, always eager to share his knowledge by providing various legal reviews.
Ravil knows how to build arguments that are understandable to the court, even in the most controversial situations.
Ravil is exclusively client-oriented, listens to the client's requests and needs, and is ready to perform tasks of any complexity.
Ravil is very trustworthy, demonstrates a strong sense of empathy, and shows a willingness to help, always eager to share his knowledge by providing various legal reviews.
Provided by KP Disputes
Business and Professional Services