A video has circulated on social media showing earthworks involving heavy machinery at Saka burial mounds near the village of Taldybulak in the Zhetisu Region. Police have opened a criminal case for vandalism, according to infohub.kz.
"In the village of Taldybulak, Saka burial mounds are being excavated with machinery. Archaeologists don't do it this way," wrote the author of the published video.
Users reacted actively to the footage. Comments included questions such as: "Who is excavating?", "These mounds are historical heritage and were under state protection," and "Black diggers. Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Security Committee and other agencies, where are you?".
The Center for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Zhetisu Region explained that on October 14, 2026, information was spread on social media about illegal earthworks involving heavy machinery at an archaeological mound located in the Shubar rural district of the Kerbulak district of the Zhetisu Region.
"The necessary materials have been prepared for submission to law enforcement agencies to hold those involved accountable. Currently, all work at the site has been stopped," the center noted.
The Police Department of the Zhetisu Region told a NUR.KZ correspondent that police have opened a criminal case for vandalism. Investigative actions are currently underway.