Tengrinews.kz - A Turkish citizen was detained at Astana International Airport for making a false statement about carrying prohibited items.
According to the Transport Police Department, the 47-year-old man was stopped by officers from the airport’s transport police during check-in for an international flight from Astana to Phuket. While at the registration area, he jokingly told an airline representative that he was carrying prohibited items.
"The man, a 47-year-old citizen of the Republic of Turkey, was identified and detained by officers of the transport police department at Astana airport after he made a comment during check-in for the Astana-Phuket flight, joking that he had prohibited items with him," said Kurmet Mazhikenov, Deputy Head of the Transport Police Department.
He added that the information was immediately verified and no threat was found. However, the incident caused temporary disruptions to the check-in process and alarmed both passengers and staff.
The man was held administratively responsible, and a court sentenced him to 15 days under arrest.
"Any jokes or statements related to security threats are treated with the utmost seriousness. Even in the absence of an actual threat, such actions disrupt public order, interfere with the functioning of transport infrastructure, and carry administrative or criminal consequences," the police colonel emphasized.
Authorities reminded the public that such incidents are considered serious violations under Kazakh law. Even without real danger, such remarks may be seen as destabilizing and lead to legal consequences, including criminal prosecution.
Previously, the Main Transport Prosecutor’s Office reported that airlines would now be fined for overbooking.