The Cybercrime Prevention Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, jointly with the National Security Committee, has eliminated a criminal group that was illegally trading the personal data of Kazakh citizens on the internet.
According to Polisia.kz, the personal information of Kazakh citizens was obtained from state databases and distributed via Telegram channels, including to certain debt collection agencies.
"More than 140 people have been detained, including company owners and channel administrators. Currently, five suspects have been arrested," said the head of the department, Zhandos Suiindik.
During searches at the offices of debt collection agencies, more than 400 items of computer and other electronic equipment were seized.
In connection with this incident, law enforcement officers have opened criminal cases under Article 205, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Illegal Access to Information"), Article 147, Part 5 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Violation of Privacy and Personal Data Legislation"), and Article 211, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Illegal Distribution of Restricted Access Electronic Resources").
The police are continuing their work to identify all participants in the scheme.
It should be recalled that in March last year, Kazakh citizens were informed about a leak of their personal data in the eGov Mobile application. Notifications were also sent to those who had never taken out loans from microfinance organisations.