Underground fuel smuggling tunnel dismantled in Kazakhstan

ALMATY, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Law enforcement agencies in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have dismantled an international smuggling network that used a clandestine underground tunnel to illegally transport petroleum products between the two countries, Kazakhstan's Financial Monitoring Agency said Tuesday.

The tunnel, about 450 meters long, was discovered in the border area between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The illegal operation had been active for two months, during which the group established a well-organized smuggling scheme involving foreign financing, logistics and the illicit movement of petroleum products.

Simultaneously, law enforcement authorities in Uzbekistan conducted coordinated operations on their side of the border.

All members of the criminal network have been identified, including several Uzbek nationals.

The investigation has concluded, and the case has been submitted to court. Enditem