Kazakh authorities detain suspects, seize weapons in Almaty criminal probe VIDEO

Law enforcement authorities in Kazakhstan have detained several individuals and seized a cache of weapons as part of an operational investigation into cases involving alleged kidnapping and grievous bodily harm.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs said that a series of investigative and operational measures were carried out on March 27 in Almaty. As a result of coordinated actions, all individuals suspected of involvement in the cases were identified and detained. Seventeen authorised searches were conducted during the operation, Caliber.Az reports per the ministry. 

Police reported the seizure of firearms from illegal circulation, including service pistols and a Kalashnikov assault rifle without serial numbers, as well as approximately 500 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.

According to preliminary operational information, the weapons and ammunition were allegedly intended to be used to exert criminal pressure on business representatives. Authorities stated that the timely intervention prevented potentially serious consequences.

The investigation is ongoing, the ministry added.

By Sabina Mammadli