As a result of a joint operation by the law enforcement agencies of Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic, the activity of an international channel through which the personal data of citizens of Kazakhstan and CIS countries was illegally distributed has been shut down. The alleged organisers of the scheme have been detained, and the investigation is ongoing.
HOW THE SPECIAL OPERATION UNFOLDED
According to Polisia.kz, the operation was carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), together with the National Security Committee (NSC), the oversight body and the police of the Czech Republic. During a lengthy operational development, law enforcement identified and shut down the activity of a group operating at an international level.
Simultaneous searches took place in the city of Ústí nad Labem in the Czech Republic, as well as in Astana, Almaty and Karaganda. During the investigative actions, digital media containing evidence of illegal activity and cash funds were seized.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE SCHEME
To carry out the illegal activity, a closed internet resource was created where the personal data of citizens of Kazakhstan and neighbouring states were posted.
According to the department, there was a division of roles within the group. Some participants coordinated the work, while others received and processed orders for the so-called "breach" of personal data. Drop accounts were used to cash out the illegally obtained funds.
WHAT THE MIA REPORTED
Head of the Department for Combating Cybercrime of the MIA, Zhandos Suyinbay, stated that a separate price list was established for various illegal services, providing for both one-off requests and subscription access to the resource.
According to him, the alleged organisers of the criminal scheme have been detained and placed in a temporary detention facility. The materials do not specify the number of detainees.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE FURTHER INVESTIGATION
The investigation of the criminal case is ongoing. The department also stated its intention to continue work on combating cybercrime, identifying channels for the illegal distribution of personal data, and protecting the rights of citizens.