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Cyber Crimes on the Rise, Contrary to a General Drop in Deceitful Activities

Online fraud cases have reportedly decreased, yet instances of deceitful online activities persistently escalate.

Cyber Crimes on the Rise Amidst a General Reduction in Reported Incidents
Cyber Crimes on the Rise Amidst a General Reduction in Reported Incidents

Cyber Crimes on the Rise, Contrary to a General Drop in Deceitful Activities

In a recent report, it has been revealed that online fraud cases in Kazakhstan have seen a significant increase, with the number of incidents rising by 25% from January to June 2025. According to the report, which was sourced from Kazinform, the total number of fraud cases decreased by a marginal 0.7% during the same period, going from 22,812 to 22,644.

The rise in online fraud cases can be attributed to improved control over the classification of such offenses and the prevention of data manipulation. The surge corresponds with Kazakhstan’s growing IT and fintech sectors and wider internet penetration, providing fertile ground for fraudsters exploiting vulnerabilities in online financial transactions and digital services.

Authorities have taken action to combat this rising trend, with regional prosecutors and relevant agencies launching a series of nationwide campaigns. Over one billion tenge (approximately US$1.8 million) was recovered from 697 droppers and returned to the victims. Moreover, authorities halted loan processes worth 3.3 billion tenge (US$6.1 million) for 2,716 victims.

The Anti-Fraud Center played a crucial role in these efforts, preventing 23,000 fraudulent incidents and blocking more than 1.8 billion tenge (US$3.3 million). More than 30 cybercriminal groups have been identified. However, the report does not discuss any strategies or initiatives to combat fraud in Kazakhstan beyond these campaigns and chatbots launched to raise public awareness.

The report also does not mention any penalties or consequences for those found guilty of fraud. Nor does it provide details about the types of fraud that constitute the majority of cases or the economic impact of these actions on fraud cases in Kazakhstan. Additionally, the source for the information about fraud cases in Kazakhstan is Kazinform, as reported on July 19, 2025.

The qualitative evidence indicates a clear upward trend in online fraud linked to technological growth and the sophistication of scams. Countermeasures increasingly rely on AI-driven analytics, regulatory oversight, and international collaboration to mitigate this growing threat. Efforts include AI-enhanced fraud monitoring and investigation teams, strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, and customer awareness campaigns.

As Kazakhstan continues to develop its digital landscape, addressing the issue of online fraud will remain a critical priority. The nation's authorities are urged to continue their efforts in this regard, working towards a safer and more secure digital future for all Kazakhstani citizens.

  1. The growth in online fraud cases in Kazakhstan, as revealed by the recent report from Kazinform, can be associated with the qualitative evidence of technological development and the increasing sophistication of digital scams.
  2. As Kazakhstan's IT and fintech sectors expand, there is a need for enhanced focus on cybersecurity in the broader context of crime and justice, particularly in preventing and mitigating the rise in online fraud.

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