Public Defender Caught Attempting to Smuggle Contraband to Her Incarcerated Son

The mother of a defendant in a rape case in Astana, who was acting as his public defender, was caught attempting to smuggle a mobile phone into a detention facility.

During a visit to her son at the pre-trial detention center, she tried to hand over the device hidden inside the sole of a shoe. The incident was captured on surveillance cameras. An administrative offense report was filed against her, and the case has been referred to court.

Despite regular warnings from the Penitentiary System staff, individuals continue to attempt smuggling prohibited items into secure facilities.

In another recent case, officers at a pre-trial detention center in Pavlodar thwarted an attempt to smuggle a mobile phone, charger, and earphones. During a search in the package delivery room, the electronic devices were found hidden inside a cake intended for a 39-year-old detainee. The person who brought the package, a local resident, was charged under Article 481 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The materials have been forwarded to the court.

A similar incident occurred in Kyzylorda, where staff discovered a mobile phone concealed inside a bar of soap during a package inspection.

“All visitors are informed of the legal consequences of attempting to smuggle prohibited items. Our facilities are equipped with X-ray scanners that quickly detect phones, drugs, and other contraband. Everyone is subject to inspection, without exception,” said Berik Baykenov, Head of the Department for Security, Supervision, and Control of the Penitentiary system Committee.

Since the beginning of this year, officers have prevented 346 attempts to smuggle mobile phones, seized over 58 liters of alcohol, and confiscated more than 10 kilograms of narcotics. A total of 128 civilians have been held administratively liable, including public defenders and attorneys. Over 20 additional cases are currently under judicial review.