Tengrinews.kz - A large shipment of lead was intercepted during an attempted illegal export from Kazakhstan, according to Polisia.kz.
The operation was carried out in the Zhetysu region by criminal police officers in coordination with the Department of Economic Investigations and the customs service.
"Two cargo trucks carrying over 60 tonnes of metal were stopped. The market value of the shipment exceeds 60 million tenge. Preliminary information suggests the lead was intended for illegal export abroad," the Interior Ministry stated.
Authorities are currently working to identify all individuals involved in the smuggling scheme.
Similar incidents have been reported in other regions. In the North Kazakhstan region, authorities uncovered an attempt by a company to export ferrous scrap metal disguised as high-alloy steel. Around 1,000 tonnes of scrap, including seven railcars ready for shipment to a neighboring country, were discovered.
In the Mangystau region, a maritime smuggling route was exposed involving scrap metal bound for a Caspian Sea nation. Over 400 tonnes of metal were found on the company’s premises, with two containers already prepared for export.
All those responsible in these cases have been held accountable.
Earlier, police in the Karaganda region detained members of two criminal groups involved in theft from an industrial enterprise and the illegal trafficking of precious metals.