Police in Kyrgyzstan have detained a group of robbery suspects who disguised themselves as women to carry out a string of daring raids.

The gang targeted shops and office buildings, using wigs and lifelike silicone female masks to conceal their identities. Authorities estimate the total damage caused by the group at around 25 million soms (approximately $2.27 million), The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

Law enforcement officials arrested nine suspects. All of them reportedly have prior criminal records - some multiple times. One of the detainees had been convicted 13 times for theft, robbery, and other offenses.

During searches, police also seized 45 grams of hashish.

The Kyrgyz Interior Ministry said investigators are examining possible links between the suspects and accomplices inside correctional facilities, who may have falsely claimed responsibility for the crimes in an attempt to mislead authorities.