Kazakhstan’s security services have carried out a large-scale nationwide operation targeting organized crime, resulting in the detention of 20 suspects.

On February 4, 2026, the Kazakh National Security Committee, working jointly with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and under the coordination of the Prosecutor General’s Office, conducted a special operation to disrupt the activities of several criminal groups, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

According to officials, the groups were involved in illegal arms trafficking and storage, extortion schemes, the legalization of stolen vehicles, and other serious crimes.

Operations were carried out simultaneously in Almaty and Shymkent, as well as in the Aktobe, Almaty, East Kazakhstan, Zhambyl, Abai, and Zhetisu regions.

“As a result of the operation, 20 individuals were detained, 10 of whom have been placed in temporary detention facilities,” the authorities said.

During searches, law enforcement officers seized firearms, ammunition, narcotics, large sums of cash, and other material evidence. Pre-trial investigations are currently underway.

Officials noted that further details cannot be disclosed in accordance with Article 201 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Procedure Code.