The police of the Almaty region will launch an inspection of the section of the Chundzha – Kokpek – Kolsai highway following reports on social media about suspicious vehicles and possible provocations. The Ministry of Internal Affairs clarified that no official complaints from citizens regarding instances of pursuit or threats have been received to date, however the information provided has been forwarded to territorial police units for verification.
According to media reports, the reason was information from social media users. According to them, vehicles were spotted on the highway — a white Toyota and a Mazda 323 — whose drivers allegedly pursued tourists, forced cars to the roadside, flashed their headlights, and shouted something from the windows.
"One Threads user reported that he was pursued by two cars, which pressed close, flashed their headlights, and shouted something from the windows. Another female user described an incident where she was surrounded by eight men, but after they noticed a woman, they left without touching her. In the comments, users express concerns that these could be organised groups of 'stagers' or highway bandits, posing a threat to the safety of tourists and residents of the region," the message states.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the police of the Almaty region regularly conduct operational and preventive measures on tourist routes, including the Chundzha – Kokpek – Kolsai section.
"The inspection of highway sections is carried out as part of routine patrols, as well as upon receipt of complaints from citizens. If signs of unlawful actions are identified, the information is immediately processed by investigative and operational groups," the department noted.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stationary traffic police posts and cameras of the 'Sergek' system are operational on the highway. CCTV recordings are used to monitor the road situation and, if necessary, to identify the vehicles mentioned in citizens' complaints. Should specific data about suspicious cars be obtained, the police will review video recordings along the specified routes.
The department also recommended that citizens observe personal safety measures when travelling on intercity roads, especially during the dark hours.
"If suspicious situations arise, it is necessary to immediately report them by calling 102 or contact the nearest police post. It is also recommended to use car dashcams and report any violations that pose a threat to safety," the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated.
It is noted that within the framework of the state programme for ensuring road traffic safety, the issue of installing additional CCTV cameras and lighting on the most vulnerable sections of tourist routes is being addressed.