Kazakhstan detains over 3,000 border violators in January 2026

Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee has said that border authorities detained 3,026 violators in January 2026, including 2,594 foreigners.

During the month, officials intercepted 1,062 cases of illegal cross-border activity. These included 25 incidents involving weapons and ammunition, with authorities seizing two rifles, 66 cold weapons, three flash-bang grenades, and 78 rounds of ammunition, Caliber.Az reports, citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.

Border officers also intercepted 580 cases of fuel smuggling, totalling more than 60 tons, as well as consumer goods valued at over 620 million tenge ($1.2 million) and cash amounting to approximately 860 million tenge ($1.7 million).

In addition, authorities reported five cases of poaching in the Caspian Sea, confiscating illegal fishing equipment.

By Khagan Isayev