A shocking case involving the attempted sale of a newborn has emerged in Kazakhstan.

Police officers uncover dozens of human trafficking-related crimes during a nationwide operation, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Some 41 criminal cases linked to human trafficking were registered in April under the “STOP Trafficking” campaign, including nine involving minors. Among the offenses: illegal web studios, forced labor, and an attempt to sell a baby.

In the Kyzylorda Region, a 25-year-old woman is accused of attempting to sell her newborn. Investigators say she had been staying at a specialized support center before and after giving birth. After reportedly refusing the child, a foundation official offered the baby to a 50-year-old woman for 1 million tenge under the guise of future adoption. All three individuals have been detained.

Police officers also exposed an organized criminal group in Almaty that targeted homeless individuals for exploitation. Victims were used to build fake credit histories, allowing the group to register high-end cars in their names before reselling them.

In the Zhetysu Region, two teenagers were reportedly abducted, transported, and forced to work for a month at a household chemicals production site. A criminal case has been launched, and the suspects are in custody. The victims have received medical care.

Meanwhile, police in the Abai Region detained a couple accused of running illegal web studios across multiple cities, recruiting young women and organizing locations for illicit filming.

Investigations are ongoing across several regions, including Astana and Atyrau, as part of a broader crackdown on trafficking networks and illegal content distribution.

The operation is still underway, with more arrests and charges expected as investigations continue.