Russia extradites suspect to Kazakhstan, he faces 20 years in prison
Tengrinews.kz – The Prosecutor General’s Office has secured the extradition from Russia of a Kazakh citizen suspected of involvement in an organized criminal group that produced and distributed psychotropic substances. He faces up to 20 years in prison with confiscation of property.
Drug production organized in Temirtau
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the suspect was part of a criminal group that organized the production of psychotropic substances on an especially large scale in Temirtau.
The substances produced were then distributed across Karaganda Region. Law enforcement officers seized almost 10 kilograms of mephedrone from members of the group.
1.8 billion tenge laundered through crypto exchanges
According to the investigation, the group members legalized proceeds from criminal activity through various financial operations, including through crypto exchanges.
The total amount exceeded 1.8 billion tenge.
In addition, members of the group purchased real estate, business facilities and vehicles worth more than 600 million tenge. These assets have been seized for subsequent transfer to the state.
Suspect detained in Russia
According to prosecutors, the suspect was detained in Russia in October last year. Kazakhstan then sent a request for his extradition.
The suspect has now been extradited to Kazakhstan and placed in a pre-trial detention center.
The investigation into other members of the group is also ongoing. The criminal case against some of the defendants is already being heard in court, while other accomplices have fled from criminal prosecution authorities and have been placed on the international wanted list.
The crimes the suspect is accused of carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison with confiscation of property.