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A new Article 232-1 has been added to the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan, establishing liability for transferring bank cards and accounts to third parties. These measures are aimed at combating cyber fraud and strengthening citizens' financial security, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan reported.
Sanctions and punishments
Depending on the severity of the act committed, the nature of the actions, and the amount of profit received, Article 232-1 provides for punishment for participation in “dropper” schemes ranging from a fine to 7 years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property.
What are droppers?
A dropper is an individual whose bank accounts or cards are used by fraudsters to transfer or cash out stolen funds. Criminals typically register accounts in the dropper's name to conceal their involvement and withdraw funds from the system.
Consequences for droppers
The following measures are provided for droppers:
– complete blocking of bank accounts;
– inclusion in the register of suspicious persons;
– restrictions on the use of financial services.
Criminal prosecution may affect both Kazakh citizens and foreigners who provided their accounts for criminal schemes.
How to avoid responsibility
The Prosecutor General's Office of Kazakhstan emphasized that citizens who voluntarily declare their involvement in the illegal scheme and actively cooperate with the investigation may be exempt from criminal liability.
"If you have previously transferred your bank accounts to third parties, immediately contact the bank or block your card through online banking to prevent possible involvement in illegal activities. We urge citizens not to become tools in the hands of criminals," the Prosecutor General's Office noted.
Recovery of damages from droppers
Compensation for damages caused by droppers is regulated by Article 953 of the Civil Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which provides for the obligation to return funds and property in cases of unjust enrichment.
To file a claim, the following documents are required:
– a copy of the report on entering the criminal case into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations;
– a copy of the decision on recognition of the victim;
– the bank’s response regarding the transfer of funds to the dropper’s account;
– interrogation of the person to whose account the funds were transferred.
The adoption of this new article will systematically suppress the activities of criminal groups in the digital sphere and reduce the number of cases of financial fraud in the country.
