Kazakh authorities have uncovered an illegal gold mining operation in the Sozak district of the Turkestan Region, where a group of individuals was found to be unlawfully exploiting gold-bearing sites.
According to investigators, 12 people carried out mining activities without the required permits, in violation of environmental regulations and industrial safety standards. As a result of the illegal operations, the group is believed to have extracted around 451 grams of gold.
A pre-trial investigation has been launched under Parts 1 and 3 of Article 295-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which covers offences related to the illegal extraction of mineral resources. Law enforcement agencies have conducted the necessary investigative procedures, and five of the suspects have been placed under house arrest as a preventive measure.
Prosecutors stressed that unlawful mining poses a serious threat to the environment, undermines the country’s economic security, and carries criminal liability. Authorities said enforcement efforts will continue to deter illegal exploitation of mineral resources.
