Suspected Extortionist Detained at Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Border

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A man suspected of extorting money from citizens was detained at the Kaplanbek border checkpoint on the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan border, the Police Department of Kazakhstan’s Turkestan region said after videos from the scene circulated on social media.

According to police, the incident occurred amid large crowds at the border crossing point. Videos published online alleged that the suspect threatened citizens, including with a screwdriver, and demanded money from them.

Law enforcement authorities said a criminal case has been opened in connection with the incident. During operational measures, officers detained a 43-year-old resident of Turkestan region who has no permanent place of residence.

The suspect has been placed in a temporary detention facility in Saryagash district. Investigators are continuing procedural actions to establish all circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that the suspect’s actions will be assessed in accordance with Kazakhstan’s current legislation.