In the Baiganin District of the Aktobe Region, police officers intercepted suspected poachers, discovering 14 saiga carcasses in their vehicle. According to law enforcement, the vehicle drew attention during a patrol operation and was stopped after a brief chase across the steppe.
HOW POLICE STOPPED THE SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE
According to police, during the patrol officers spotted a suspicious UAZ vehicle in the steppe area of the district. The car was stopped after a short pursuit.
Upon inspection of the vehicle, a motorcycle and 14 saiga carcasses were found in the back.
There were three residents of the Atyrau Region inside the vehicle.
WHAT WAS SEIZED FROM THE OCCUPANTS
During the check, several items that could have been used for hunting were confiscated from the men:
- a 12-gauge hunting rifle
- a radio transceiver
- binoculars
- knives
WHAT INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN LAUNCHED
A pre-trial investigation under Article 339 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (“Illegal handling of rare and endangered species, as well as species of plants or animals prohibited for use”) has been initiated regarding this incident.
Law enforcement agencies are conducting the necessary investigative actions.
WHY THE SAIGA IS PROTECTED
The police reminded that the saiga is a rare animal species and is listed in the Red Book. Criminal liability is stipulated for its illegal hunting.
It should be recalled that on 14 February in the Astrakhan District of the Akmola Region, an investigation was launched regarding possible illegal hunting. According to the Police Department of the Akmola Region, the suspicion fell on a senior gamekeeper of one of the limited liability partnerships managing hunting grounds. During an inspection on the territory of the farm, parts of animal carcasses, presumably roe deer and saiga, were discovered, after which a criminal case was opened.
Earlier, it was reported that an illegal shooting of roe deer was recorded in the Burlin District of the West Kazakhstan Region. One person has been detained, and the possible involvement of others is being checked.