Elaboration of a bill on combating organized criminality

Astana, November 24, 2009 (Khabar) - Ministry of Interior Affairs intends to toughen punishment for participation in organized crime groups. At a press briefing in Astana, chairman of the committee of criminal police Sultan Kussetov has reported that the Interior Ministry has drafted legislation to combat organized crime. Toughening of responsibility for wrongful acts committed by organized criminal groups is among the most significant innovations. The punishment will also become more severe for involvement of juveniles into such crimes. Criminal proceedings will attract public servants who provide assistance to such groups and those who provide financial support to the criminal formations.

Sultan Kussetov, chairman of the committee of criminal police, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan:
- Since the beginning of this year, the structures interior affairs initiated 354 criminal cases. 30 of them for creation and management of organized criminal groups, 5 criminal cases are for banditry. Criminal charges were brought against 50 leaders and 231 members of organized criminal groups, 45 "authorities" of criminal circles.

According to the chairman of the Committee of the criminal police, the work on the bill will last for six months, and after discussion in the law enforcement agencies it will be referred for consideration in Parliament.