Kazakhstan uncovers criminal network selling data from state databases Video

Kazakhstan's authorities have dismantled a major criminal group accused of selling citizens' data obtained from government databases.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the group accessed official systems and distributed sensitive information via Telegram channels, Caliber.Az reports.

Some of the data was reportedly passed on to debt collection agencies.

More than 140 people have been detained, including company owners and administrators of the Telegram channels involved.

The operation was carried out jointly by the MIA's Cybercrime Department and the National Security Committee.

During searches of the collectors' offices, officers seized over 400 pieces of computer and electronic equipment.

Criminal investigations are underway under several articles of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code, including unauthorised access to information, violation of privacy and personal data laws, and unlawful distribution of restricted digital resources.

The MIA said efforts are ongoing to identify all individuals connected to the network.

By Aghakazim Guliyev