A man in southern Kazakhstan has been sentenced to five years behind bars after stealing a camel, in a case that highlights the country’s tough stance on livestock theft.

The incident took place in the Kyzylorda region, where the Aral District Court considered a criminal case against the accused under charges of livestock theft, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

According to court officials, the man-previously convicted of a serious property crime-illegally entered a private yard by jumping over a fence and stole a camel with the intent of personal gain.

The stolen animal caused financial losses of around 800,000 tenge for the victim, underscoring the economic impact of such crimes in rural areas.

The court said the defendant’s guilt was confirmed by his own confession, as well as testimony from the victim and witnesses, along with other evidence gathered during the investigation.

Taking into account his prior conviction and the seriousness of the offense, the court found him guilty and handed down a five-year prison sentence.