Michael Chance, the head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Kazakhstan, told Radio Free Europe that corrupt officials are limiting the effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s efforts to combat human trafficking. According to official figures, 110 cases against people alleged to be involved in trafficking were initiated in the first three months of 2004, only eight cases were opened in all of 2003. The IOM official said, however, that few traffickers have been punished because those involved in the trade have enough money to bribe investigators. He also attributed the low success rate to a lack of legislation criminalizing human trafficking.
The U.S. State Department has cited Kazakhstan in its annual human-rights report for weakness in fighting human trafficking. The report is available here, (please refer to section 6(f)).
Most citizens of Kazakhstan who fall victim to human trafficking are sent to the United Arab Emirates, though some have been sent to western Europe, Israel. And Saudi Arabia.
Cited from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty online newsletter, Volume 8, Number 97, 24 May 2004, available here.