A group of individuals suspected of attempting to establish a channel for stealing gold-containing material from a mining and processing plant has been detained in the Zhambyl region. A criminal case regarding one of the incidents is being heard in court.
WHAT MEASURES THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS IS TAKING
According to the portal Polisia.kz, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) is implementing the Head of State's instructions to ensure the stable operation of city-forming enterprises, including gold mining facilities.
Since last year, over 1,400 people have been held accountable in various regions of the country for involvement in gold theft and illegal prospecting. More than 12 tonnes of gold-containing material have been seized from illegal circulation.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE 'AKBAKAI' MINING AND PROCESSING PLANT
In 2026, the police completed a pre-trial investigation into a case involving an organised group linked to the illegal extraction, processing and theft of ore from the territory of the 'Akbakai' mining and processing complex in the Zhambyl region.
The criminal case has been sent to court, where it is currently under consideration.
ATTEMPT TO CREATE A NEW THEFT CHANNEL
During the monitoring of operational information, police officers thwarted an attempt to illegally enter the territory of the same enterprise.
A group of individuals has been detained — residents of the Zhambyl region, the Ulytau region and the Karaganda region, who, according to the investigation, attempted to organise a channel for stealing gold-containing material.
During the arrests, weapons, a large sum of money, communication devices and vehicles were seized. The amount of potential damage is being determined.
WHO IS BEING INVESTIGATED
Law enforcement agencies are also checking security guards and the plant's security service for involvement in the illegal activity. The investigation is ongoing, and final conclusions about the role of each of those involved will be drawn upon its completion.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE ECONOMY
As noted by the MIA, the measures taken are helping to reduce the shadow circulation of gold and suppress illegal prospecting. This is seen as a factor in strengthening the country's economic security.