70 Criminal Cases in a Year: Damaging Surveillance Cameras in Prisons Is Now a Crime
Digital Control as a Guarantee of Order: New Article of the Criminal Code Strengthens Discipline and Saves Budget

Since July 2024, a new article — 428-1 — has been introduced into the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, establishing criminal liability for the intentional damage or disabling of surveillance cameras in penitentiary institutions.

This provision was adopted in the context of the large-scale implementation of a 24/7 video surveillance system in correctional facilities and was a response to the increasing number of deliberate equipment damage incidents. Cameras record all events, ensuring transparency for both inmates and penitentiary staff.

In the first year of the article’s enforcement, more than 70 criminal cases have been initiated. 35 inmates have already been sentenced to additional prison terms and are required to compensate for the material damage caused.
For example, at Correctional Facility No. 55 in Shymkent, 13 inmates deliberately disabled surveillance cameras. By court ruling, each was given an additional 6 years of imprisonment.

Today, over 43,000 cameras have been installed across 78 correctional facilities in the country. Live video feeds from these cameras are transmitted in real time to the Committee of the Penal System, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Prosecutor's Office. This system allows:

• Monitoring compliance with human rights;

• Prompt detection of illegal actions;

• Strengthening discipline among inmates and personnel.

According to the Committee of the Penal System, the number of offenses prosecuted under Article 428-1 is already showing a downward trend. This confirms the effectiveness of the new measure, helps preserve expensive equipment, and reduces government spending.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ps/press/news/details/1040881?lang=kk