Three Criminal Groups Detained in Astana

In Astana, members of three criminal groups who arrived from different regions were detained in early June, Orda.kz reports.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the groups operated using established schemes, threatening some with weapons and extorting money from others under the guise of maintaining “peace.” In one case, the extortion reached 10 million tenge.

In another, the suspects systematically targeted market vendors, demanding payments for “protection.”

During the investigation, traumatic and bladed weapons, ammunition, as well as documentation from microfinance organizations, presumably used in criminal schemes, were seized,
 the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated.

All suspects have been detained, and a pre-trial investigation is underway.

Earlier, Orda.kz reported on another armed group that targeted restaurants and clubs in Almaty.

Original Author: Alina Pak