NEWS – “without comment”
Kazakhstan Moves to Legalize Private Detective Services
Dmitry Pokidaev
8 October 2025
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has opened a public consultation on a draft law titled “On Private Detective Activity,” initiated by members of the Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament. The proposed legislation would introduce a licensing system for private detectives, aiming to formalize and regulate the profession.
According to the ministry’s press office, the bill seeks to establish a legal framework for private investigation services and to expand citizens’ access to professional assistance in defending their rights and lawful interests.
If adopted, the law would allow Kazakh citizens to obtain qualified help in gathering information for use in court, as well as in criminal and administrative proceedings.
“The proposed legislation introduces mandatory licensing, which will eliminate cases where unqualified or irresponsible individuals conduct investigations,” the ministry stated. “Only licensed professionals will be permitted to provide such services.”
The draft law also provides for strict state oversight of detective agencies, enabling citizens to file complaints with government bodies regarding a detective’s actions. Additionally, licensed private detectives would be required to carry professional liability insurance to compensate for any damages caused by unlawful conduct.
“The bill aims to introduce clear professional standards, protect citizens’ interests, prevent unauthorized interference in private life, and build public trust in legal mechanisms for protecting rights,” the ministry added.
Kazakhstan currently lacks a specific legal framework regulating private detective activity, despite multiple legislative efforts since 1995.
The first such initiative dates back to 1995, but the proposed legislation was not approved by parliament. In 2013, the Ministry of Justice developed a revised version, which reached the Mazhilis in 2015 in a shortened form. That effort was later withdrawn by the government in 2017.
The current draft, developed by parliamentarians in 2023, marks the most advanced attempt to date at legalizing private detective work in the country.
While there is no formal ban on private investigation services in Kazakhstan, the sector currently operates in a legal grey zone. Experts estimate that around 20 business entities in Kazakhstan operate either wholly or partly as private detective agencies. However, the exact number of individuals working as private investigators remains unclear.
Analysts believe the market includes a significant “shadow segment,” raising concerns about potential rights violations by unlicensed actors.
As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is undergoing a broader restructuring of its law enforcement system, including the recent transfer of anti-corruption functions to the National Security Committee. Experts argue that the creation of a transparent, state-regulated private investigation sector could become a vital component of this reform effort.
Story: https://timesca.com/kazakhstan-moves-to-legalize-private-detective-services/
Posted by: Ian (D. Withers)
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