$15 Million Fuel Smuggling Ring Busted in Aktobe

Police in Aktobe Region have dismantled a group involved in the theft and transportation of crude oil products using forged documents. Drivers of trucks transporting around 60 tons of fuel under the organizers’ instructions were detained in two regions, reports Qrnews.kz citing Polisia.kz.

Searches at the suspects’ addresses and at the offices of one of the companies uncovered approximately 400 tons of oil products, firearms and gas weapons, as well as financial and business documents confirming illegal operations.

In a separate criminal case, authorities are investigating a company suspected of running a smuggling channel to export fuel abroad. Preliminary information indicates that the firm exported over 30,000 tons of oil products worth about 8 billion tenge (over $15 million). In October, four company-owned railcars carrying 300 tons of fuel were seized at a border railway checkpoint en route to a neighboring country.

Pre-trial investigations are ongoing for all incidents, with necessary expert examinations appointed. Further details are not being disclosed to protect the integrity of the investigation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported.