Last Updated: Wednesday, 31 May 2023, 15:44 GMT

Another suspected Kazakh smuggler detained in Abu Dhabi

Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Publication Date 2 June 2011
Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Another suspected Kazakh smuggler detained in Abu Dhabi, 2 June 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e142afec.html [accessed 31 May 2023]
DisclaimerThis is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

June 02, 2011

ASTANA – Kazakhstan's Financial Police announced today that a second Kazakh citizen suspected in a high-profile smuggling case has been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.

The Kazakh authorities are currently holding talks with UAE officials on Baqyt Otarbaev's possible extradition.

The financial police issued an international arrest warrant for Otarbaev last month in connection with an investigation into the illegal transportation of goods to and from neighboring China via the Qorghas and Qalzhat border crossing points.

On May 31, the Kazakh financial police announced the detention of Talghat Qaiyrbaev in Abu Dhabi on May 29 at the request of Interpol. Qaiyrbaev is also a major suspect in the case.

Some 100 people, including several high-ranking Kazakh customs officials, were arrested last month on suspicion of shipping goods illegally to and from China.

Kazakh Customs Committee head Qozy-Korpesh Karibozov stepped down in the wake of the arrests.

Link to original story on RFE/RL website

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