Illegal Trafficking of Precious Metals Uncovered in Astana and Shymkent

A group of individuals has been charged with illegal trafficking of precious metals in the Akmola region, including the cities of Astana and Shymkent.

The scheme involved the illegal extraction, purchase, and sale of gold, as well as the manufacture and sale of unaccounted jewelry.

Illegal activities have been uncovered by the FMA Department of the Akmola region under the coordination of the Prosecutor's Office of the region. The investigation revealed that the suspects had purchased gold illegally, mined and processed by "black prospectors" in the village of Bestobe since 2019.

The gold bars were then supplied through well-established channels, where unaccounted jewelry of well-known brands were made in underground workshops with a stamp and sold in trading houses of Astana and Shymkent.

During the searches conducted by law enforcement, more than 1 kilogram of gold bars with a gold content of 99.5% in the amount of more than 35 million tenge have been seized. 335 unaccounted jewelry items prepared for sale were also seized.

The turnover of funds between the suspects amounted to over 300 million tenge from January 2021 to October 2023.

Authorities have identified five individuals as suspects in an ongoing investigation into [specific details of the investigation]. Three of the suspects have been detained as a precautionary measure.

In accordance with Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, further information regarding the case will not be disclosed at this time. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.

Press Service of FMA