In Ust-Kamenogorsk, a court sentenced the former deputy director of the branch of NJC "Government for Citizens" Rakhimzhanov A.A. and Nurtazin D.M. to 4 years' imprisonment in the case of illegal gold mining at the Shybyndy site in Ulan District. The volume of gold extracted exceeded 15 kg, and its value amounted to more than KZT 844 million.
WHAT THE INVESTIGATION ESTABLISHED
According to the Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA), a controlled LLP "EastGoldStone" was used for the mining, which held a licence exclusively for the exploration of solid minerals. At the same time, heavy machinery was used at the site — excavators, loaders, dump trucks and washing equipment.
The investigation established that the volume of illegally mined gold exceeded 15 kg. During the investigation, 6.7 kg of gold and 579 g of silver with a total value of KZT 382 million were seized.
WHAT DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO THE ENVIRONMENT
As a result of the activity, land with a total area of 18.2 ha was damaged. In addition, trees and shrubs belonging to the state forest fund were destroyed and damaged.
The cost of the work required to remedy the environmental damage was estimated at more than KZT 300 million.
WHAT PROPERTY THE COURT CONFISCATED
The court confiscated property with a total value of KZT 372 million. The list included 4 lorries, 2 excavators, 2 loaders and a dredger.
Cash in the amount of KZT 10 million and $56 thousand was also confiscated.
WHAT SENTENCE THE COURT HANDED DOWN
The court found Rakhimzhanov A.A. and Nurtazin D.M. guilty and sentenced each of them to 4 years' imprisonment.
The sentence has not entered into legal force.
CONTEXT
In August, in the Ulytau region, the activities of a group suspected of organising the illegal extraction and processing of manganese ore were suppressed. According to the investigation, over 23 thousand tonnes of product worth more than KZT 1 billion were sold.
In July, illegal gold mining was also suppressed in the East Kazakhstan Region (EKR). According to the investigation, a group of individuals carried out work without the relevant permits in Markakol District near the village of Akbulak. More than 30 workers were involved in the unlawful activity, including citizens of the PRC.
