InfoHub Logo

A 14-year-old who disappeared from his Almaty home on December 30 was found safe overnight on January 6 after a weeklong search—an outcome police say underscores the value of swift alerts and community involvement.

This was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.

Timeline of the search

The case drew wide attention in the city after the boy’s mother appealed on social media. Police and volunteers organized round-the-clock searches across Almaty for several days, ultimately locating the teenager nearly a week after he went missing.

Police account and next steps

According to the city Police Department, the teenager was found away from his registered address and had been wandering the streets. Officers returned him to his mother. Authorities conducted preventive and explanatory conversations with the family, and the materials were placed under the supervision of juvenile police. The department also noted the same teenager had previously left home.

What happened on December 30

Investigators say the boy left his home on Esenov Street on December 30, telling relatives he intended to go to the TSUM department store in the city center to repair his phone. When he did not return, police opened a missing persons case the same day.

Safety reminder

Police urged parents to keep regular contact with their children, discuss safe routes and check-ins, and report disappearances immediately. Officials said early alerts and community mobilization remain decisive in securing safe outcomes for minors.