Residents of Kazakhstan have been reminded of the risks associated with transporting cars and various goods through logistics platforms. In a recent case, a resident of Almaty was fraudulently deprived of a car worth 60 million tenge, but the vehicle was successfully returned to its owner.
WHAT SCHEME DO THE MALICIOUS ACTORS USE
According to Polisia.kz, cases of fraud during the transport of cars and various goods through logistics platforms have recently been recorded. The malicious actors use popular carrier search services “Della” and “Fa-Fa.kz”.
Most often, advertisements for transport are placed for the delivery of cars and goods from Almaty and the Almaty Region to other regions of the country. After the advertisement is published, unknown individuals contact the customers and car transporter drivers via the WhatsApp messenger.
HOW THE SUSPECTS OPERATE
To customers, the malicious actors pose as transport organisers or drivers, and to drivers, they pose as cargo customers. Gaining the trust of both parties, they agree on the terms of transport.
After the vehicle departs from Almaty, the suspects organise the reloading of the stolen car or cargo and dispose of it as they see fit.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE CAR THEFT IN ALMATY
On 7 June, a resident of Almaty contacted the police with a report of the theft of an expensive car. Two days earlier, unknown individuals had fraudulently taken possession of the vehicle, causing damage amounting to 60 million tenge.
Thanks to operational-search activities, police officers located the car and returned it to its legal owner. Three alleged perpetrators have been detained on suspicion of committing the crime.
A pre-trial investigation is currently underway. Law enforcement agencies are establishing all the circumstances of the incident and identifying other possible accomplices.
WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS DID THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS GIVE
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) recommends that citizens carefully check the driver’s identity card and the vehicle documents, as well as verify the carrier’s phone number against the number listed in the advertisement.
Furthermore, the department advises discussing the route and final delivery point in advance and in person, as well as independently researching reviews of the carrier and driver online.
If doubts arise, discrepancies in documents are found, or other suspicious circumstances occur, citizens are advised to refuse the carrier’s services and immediately report this by calling 102 or contacting the nearest criminal police unit.
