Kazakhstan: Interior Ministry Reports Dozens of Human Trafficking Cases

Law enforcement agencies have opened dozens of human trafficking cases across Kazakhstan, the Interior Ministry said, reports Orda.kz.

The ministry reported 39 criminal cases, including six involving minors. In Almaty, police detained a group suspected of coercing young women into selling their newborn children.

The organizers exploited the girls' dire financial situation. Investigators are pursuing over 20 criminal cases, and the suspects face up to 18 years in prison with confiscation of property,
police said.

In the Abay region, authorities uncovered cases of forced labor, opening 11 criminal proceedings that are now being sent to court. In Shymkent, Aqtobe, Jambyl, West Kazakhstan, Qaraganda, and Kostanay regions, police reported preventing the exploitation of citizens of Kazakhstan — including minors — in nightlife venues.

In Astana, joint raids by police and prosecutors near the railway station led to eight people being charged with organizing brothels and sexual exploitation.

In the Aqmola region, investigators uncovered a religious group promoting promiscuity and rejection of family values; literature and ritual items were seized, and forensic examinations are underway.

Earlier investigations in Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent documented the activities of so-called “elite escort” networks that recruited women in bars and clubs. Those cases have already been sent to court.

Previously, Orda.kz reported that 141 human trafficking cases were identified nationwide last year, including 19 involving minors. According to the Interior Ministry, children were sold to intermediaries for sums starting at 500,000 tenge.

Police say they continue to monitor online advertisements, operate hotlines, and cooperate with NGOs. The most common offenses involve brothel management and procuring.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov