Since the beginning of 2026, Kazakhstan has initiated 38 criminal cases related to the activities of organized criminal groups (OCGs), the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to the ministry, investigations concern the creation, leadership, and participation in OCGs, including structures with transnational ties. At the same time, law enforcement agencies are investigating cases of legalization of criminally obtained property.
More than 160 representatives of the criminal environment are being brought to criminal responsibility under various articles.
"Special attention is paid to suppressing crimes that encroach on the safety of citizens and businesses. Police have identified over 270 facts of extortion, including against entrepreneurs and in educational organizations," said Kuandyk Alpys, a representative of the Department for Combating Organized Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Law enforcement officers pay special attention to ensuring law and order in places of detention. Together with the Committee of the Penal Enforcement System, more than 50 criminal cases have been registered on facts of disobedience to the lawful demands of the administration of institutions and threats against employees by representatives of the criminal environment serving sentences.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs also continues to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against transnational crime. At the initiative of the ministry, entry to Kazakhstan was closed to nearly 500 foreigners whom law enforcement agencies classify as so-called "thieves in law" and other representatives of foreign criminality.
In addition, within the framework of the implementation of the law "On Combating Human Trafficking," police identified more than 80 crimes. Victims were provided with necessary social, legal, and psychological assistance, as well as protection of their legal rights and interests.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs noted that it will continue systematic work to suppress the activities of organized criminal groups, protect the rights of citizens, and ensure public safety.