The Astana Interdistrict Criminal Court has handed down sentences in a criminal case concerning the illegal registration of foreign vehicles. In the dock were 32 people.
The press service of the capital's courts reported that from 2021 to 2022 the defendants illegally registered 312 cars. In addition, they fraudulently processed 73 right-hand drive and 77 left-hand drive cars that were not imported into Kazakhstan.
"3 leaders of an organised criminal group formed a criminal group and managed it, using their official powers. 5 members of the group were directly involved in many transactions and received money for this. 17 offenders participated in registering the cars, also buying documents for them in Telegram chats", the press service of Astana's courts stated.
It was also reported that the criminals were assisted by police officers who exploited their official positions.
Ultimately, the court sentenced the leaders of the organised criminal group to 9 years each, five members to 6 years' imprisonment each. Three intermediaries received between six months and 2.5 years' imprisonment. The remaining intermediaries were given 2.5 years' restriction of liberty.
Furthermore, four police officers each received 3.5 years in a penal colony, while the other law enforcement officers were given 2.5 years' restriction of liberty.