A shepherd has been detained in the Ulytau region on suspicion of stealing 165 sheep and attempting to sell them, reports infohub.kz.
According to the Interior Ministry's website, the incident occurred in the Zhanaarka district. The investigation alleges that the suspect, posing as the rightful owner, drove the sheep from a neighboring winter pasture into his own pen. He then arranged with unsuspecting buyers and loaded the 165 sheep onto a truck for shipment to another region.
The owner, upon discovering the loss of his entire flock, immediately contacted the police. Officers from the Zhanaarka district police launched a search and soon picked up the suspect's trail. During the investigation, it was established that the stolen livestock was being transported towards the Zhambyl region, police said.
Officers from the Ulytau regional police department responded swiftly and located the buyers at a livestock market in Taraz. As a result, all 165 sheep were seized and returned to their rightful owner. A pre-trial investigation is currently underway, and the suspect has been placed in a temporary detention facility.
When buying or selling livestock, carefully check documents confirming ownership as well as veterinary documents, the statement said.