Police have shut down the activities of several groups suspected of theft at sites belonging to Kazakhmys Corporation LLP in the Ulytau region. Some of the suspects have already been convicted, and as part of a new episode, law enforcement officers have seized over a tonne of fuel, money, weapons, and vehicles.
WHAT THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR REPORTED
As reported by a representative of the Department for Combating Organised Crime of the Ministry of Interior (MI) Kuandyk Alpys, since last year, the activities of several criminal groups involved in thefts from the territory of Kazakhmys Corporation LLP have been shut down in the Ulytau region.
The department stated that as a result of the measures taken, 94.5% of the damage caused has been recovered.
WHAT SCHEMES WERE UNCOVERED
According to the MI, members of a group that, according to investigators, operated under the direction of local criminal figures have already been convicted. The investigation established that the suspects organised a scheme to steal ore alloys with a high content of precious metals.
Furthermore, since the beginning of this year alone, police have solved four thefts resulting in significant damage.
HOW THE ALLEGED SCHEME WAS STOPPED
On 7 May 2026, in cooperation with the State Security Service (SSS), activity related to the alleged theft of fuel from the company's territory was shut down.
During operational measures, individuals suspected of organising the theft and subsequent sale of fuels and lubricants were detained. Law enforcement officers seized:
- more than one tonne of fuel;
- a large sum of money;
- vehicles;
- weapons and ammunition;
- other material evidence allegedly used in the illegal scheme, according to investigators.
The investigation believes the scheme may have operated through fake refuelling of specialist equipment and document falsification. Also, according to the MI, facts of possible complicity by certain employees of security structures have been uncovered.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION
At present, a range of investigative and operational measures are ongoing. Investigators are analysing financial and economic documentation and determining the scale of the damage caused.
According to preliminary data, the damage may be classified as particularly large-scale. The final amount has not yet been established.