Kazakhstan seizes 900 illegal firearms in sweeping crackdown on gun crime

Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry has intensified efforts to crack down on illegal firearms. A recent operation led to the seizure of dozens of weapons, including many stolen during January’s unrest. Authorities are now urging citizens to hand in unlawfully held guns without fear of prosecution. The second phase of the nationwide operation, named Public Order, ran from April 27 to 29. During this period, officers recovered 67 firearms and over 200 rounds of ammunition. A significant find occurred on April 27, when stolen weapons were discovered on the shore of Lake Sayran in Almaty.

Since the start of the year, more than 900 firearms have been confiscated across the country. Among these, 74 were identified as looted during the violent unrest in January. The total haul also includes over 4,000 rounds of ammunition seized in various operations.

To encourage compliance, the ministry announced that anyone voluntarily surrendering illegal weapons will avoid criminal or administrative penalties. Officials have stressed the importance of public cooperation in improving safety. The operation has already removed hundreds of illegal firearms from circulation. With amnesty offered to those who turn in weapons, authorities aim to further reduce the risk of armed crime. The ministry continues to call on citizens to report or surrender any unlawfully held guns.