In the city of Semey, the activities of an illegal workshop producing alcoholic products without a licence have been shut down. Tens of thousands of units of product and raw materials have been seized from illegal circulation.
HOW THE SCHEME WAS ORGANISED
The operation was carried out by the Department of the Agency for Financial Monitoring (AFM) for the Abay Region, coordinated by the regional prosecutor's office and in cooperation with the Department of State Revenues of the city of Semey.
According to the investigation, a resident of Semey organised the production of alcohol without the appropriate licence. Manufacturing took place in premises and garages. The spirit was mixed with water, then bottled in glass containers.
The products were sold under the guise of well-known brands. Knowingly counterfeit excise stamps were used to give them an outward resemblance to legal products.
WHAT WAS SEIZED DURING THE SEARCHES
During investigative actions, more than 12,000 bottles of alcoholic products under the names "Finsky Ice" and "Siberian Frosts" were seized from illegal circulation. Additionally, over 8,000 empty bottles and around 10,000 litres of alcohol-containing liquid were found.
Furthermore, counterfeit excise stamps and equipment used for production and packaging were also seized.
WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN
By court order, a private house where the workshop was located, as well as three vehicles used to transport the products, have been placed under seizure.
The alleged organiser has been released on a written undertaking not to leave the town and to behave appropriately.
The investigation is ongoing. Further information is not subject to disclosure in accordance with Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.