🪓 Kazakhstan🇰🇿: major cross-border dropper network dismantled

🪓 Kazakhstan🇰🇿: major cross-border dropper network dismantled

The five main suspects have been remanded in custody.

🟦 The Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) dismantled an extensive network of financial intermediaries serving online casinos. Citizens of Uzbekistan🇺🇿 and Kyrgyzstan🇰🇬 were provided with taxpayer identification numbers, local SIM cards, and bank accounts. Smartphones with banking apps were then handed over to the network's recruiters.

🟦 During special operations, law enforcement dismantled two groups.

🔵 In Almaty and the Turkestan Region, three Uzbek citizens were arrested. Authorities seized 89 bank cards and 20 smartphones containing apps used by the intermediaries. The transaction volume across the accounts amounted to approximately USD 1.1 million.

🔵 In the Zhambyl Region, Taraz, and Almaty, the suspects recruited citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, including minors. Searches uncovered 180 bank cards, 15 smartphones, 26 SIM cards, USD 50,000 in cash, 27,000 USDT, 4 vehicles, as well as weapons and ammunition. The network's incoming transaction volume exceeded USD 21.7 million.

📣 Context: Article 232-1, Part 1, of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code establishes penalties for dropper-related activities, including a fine of up to 160 monthly calculation indices (MCI), corrective labor, or detention for up to 50 days. It also provides for confiscation of property, a measure that will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Meanwhile, foreign nationals entering Kazakhstan are warned about the penalties for transferring their bank accounts, cards, or login credentials to third parties.

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