Kazakhstan’s law enforcement authorities have uncovered an illegal petroleum products trading operation in the Mangystau Region, detaining a suspect and seizing a four-tonne tank of fuel.

The operation was carried out in the city of Zhanaozen by officers from the Organized Crime Control Department, together with a special police unit, according to zakon.kz.

During the operation, a man was detained at a private facility in the industrial zone of the Rauan microdistrict.

Police searched the premises and seized a container holding four tonnes of petroleum products.

“A criminal case has been opened. The origin of the petroleum products and all circumstances of the incident are being established,” the Interior Ministry said.

Investigators are continuing to examine the case and determine the source of the illegally traded fuel.