The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) has warned of an important change to the criminal legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, aimed at protecting personal data and improving security in the financial services sector.
According to the ministry's press service, the new Article 232-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan introduces criminal liability for the transfer of one's bank details to third parties.
The article also covers payments or money transfers made in favour of a third party in exchange for material remuneration or property benefits.
The ministry noted that fraudsters use the transferred data to cash out criminal proceeds or deceive other citizens. Victims often do not realise they are becoming complicit in a crime.
"Personal and banking data is not just information; it is the key to your property, your security, and your responsibility under the law. The Ministry of Internal Affairs recommends: never transfer your banking details to third parties; do not agree to 'easy money' by handing over your card or account; at the slightest suspicion, contact your bank or law enforcement authorities," the statement said.
The issue has become particularly acute against the backdrop of increasing cases of data leaks and unauthorised data transfer.
For example, in June, important personal data of customers of popular Kazakhstani online stores "Meloman" and "Flower Empire" ended up in the public domain. The leaked information included names, phone numbers, delivery addresses, lists of ordered goods, and customer comments.
In July, the prosecutor's office of the Borodulikha district in the Abai region identified a leak of personal data of 194 employees from three secondary schools. The violation was discovered during monitoring of the public procurement portal.