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Tengrinews.kz – 21 people have been detained for illegal gold and precious metal mining in the East Kazakhstan Region, according to KTK.
Among the suspects, 19 are foreign nationals. The operation had reached an industrial scale, involving the use of heavy machinery.
The illegal mining took place in the Markakol district, with two residents of Ust-Kamenogorsk working alongside the foreigners. The illegal activity was detected using a drone, and the perpetrators were caught red-handed.
The illegal miners used excavators, a bulldozer, and crushing equipment. Authorities also discovered metal ingots, which may contain not only gold, but also silver and copper. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the operation and environmental damage.
"Nineteen foreign nationals and two residents of Ust-Kamenogorsk have been detained for the illegal extraction of precious metals. Large-scale machinery and equipment used for mineral extraction were seized, along with metal objects suspected to contain gold and other valuable elements. A pre-trial investigation has been launched," said Ruslan Nursapanov, Head of the Organized Crime Unit of the East Kazakhstan Police Department.
