In the East Kazakhstan region, police have stopped the illegal extraction of precious metals.
According to Polisia.kz, during an operational preventive measure, 19 foreign citizens and two residents of Ust-Kamenogorsk were detained. They are suspected of illegal mining.
Law enforcement officers seized excavators, a bulldozer, crushing plants and other equipment, as well as metal products with signs of containing gold and other precious metals. A pre-trial investigation has been launched into the matter.
The investigation is checking the possible involvement of more than 20 people in the case. Expert examinations have been ordered, and evidence is being gathered.
It is worth recalling that earlier, the department of the Agency for Financial Monitoring (AFM) for the East Kazakhstan region identified a case of illegal extraction of precious metals and unauthorised use of subsoil in the Ulan district. The environmental damage exceeded 300 million tenge.