Kazakhstan's police have dismantled a large-scale illegal migration network that facilitated the entry and stay of foreign nationals in the country for money.

Some 13 members of the group accused of organizing illegal entry and legalizing residency documents for migrants were detained. The ringleader has been placed in temporary detention, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

According to law enforcement, 28 coordinated searches were carried out, leading to the seizure of dozens of foreign passports, communication devices, office equipment, official forms, and falsified employment contracts. Large sums of cash and unregistered weapons were also discovered.

Investigators say the group operated a structured scheme to bypass migration laws by producing fake documents and arranging unlawful registrations.

Criminal proceedings have been launched under charges related to organizing illegal migration.