Police in Almaty have detained suspects accused of extortion after they posed as officers of the Organized Crime Control Department and demanded money from a local resident at gunpoint, the website infohub.kz reports.
According to the Interior Ministry's website, a group of individuals acting in collusion tracked down the victim on August 10. Claiming to be officers of the Organized Crime Control Department and threatening him with a pistol, the assailants forced him into a car and drove him out of the city.
"Applying pressure, they forced the victim to call a female relative, who transferred 3 million tenge to a number they provided," the Interior Ministry said.
Officers of the Organized Crime Control Department detained four previously convicted individuals in connection with the serious crime, one of whom had already served a sentence for murder.
"All of them have been placed in a temporary detention facility. During a search, two shotguns, a carbine, a gas pistol and ammunition were found and seized. The investigation is ongoing," police said.
Law enforcement officials added that a similar criminal case has been opened in Aktobe Region, where a previously convicted local resident was detained for also posing as an Organized Crime Control Department officer and extorting money from local residents through blackmail and psychological pressure.
"We urge citizens to remain vigilant and not to give in to threats and pressure from individuals posing as law enforcement officers. In such situations, it is necessary to contact the police immediately. The Interior Ministry will continue its work to identify and suppress crimes targeting the safety and legitimate interests of citizens," the ministry added.