A criminal group engaged in illegal gold mining has been detained in the East Kazakhstan region. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
The criminal group established a limited liability partnership and, instead of the declared activities, engaged in illegal gold mining. Currently, 63 people, including organizers and leaders, have been detained, among them 13 citizens of foreign states.
During searches, several vehicles and special equipment, a large amount of money, including over 40,000 US dollars, gold-bearing raw materials and gold, as well as documents and other physical evidence confirming illegal activities were seized, said Kuandyk Alpys, a representative of the department for combating organized crime.
According to preliminary data, illegal mining caused significant damage to the environment. In particular, the soil cover was disturbed and the natural landscape was altered. Experts have begun to determine the exact amount of environmental damage. A criminal case has been initiated.