Kazakhstan shuts 33 money-laundering cells, seizes 112 bln tenge
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Kazakhstan's Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) has dismantled 33 money-laundering cells since the start of 2026, with illegal transactions exceeding 112 billion tenge ($230 million) passing through drop accounts. Over 40 organizers and 500 individuals have been identified. The agency blocked more than 1,000 drop cards in the last two months alone.
Criminal Network
In West Kazakhstan region, AFM disrupted an international 'drop-herder' network that used citizens' bank accounts to launder money from online fraud. After accounts carrying about 17 million tenge were blocked, the group kidnapped an 18-year-old account holder and threatened violence to regain access. AFM warned that participation in drop schemes carries criminal liability.
Regional Cases
In Zhetysu region, a local woman responded to a social media job ad and used her accounts to receive stolen funds, converting them into cryptocurrency for organizers in exchange for commissions. In Turkestan region, an anonymous Telegram curator recruited students and minors, offering rewards for internet banking access. Over 20 young people became criminal suspects.
Blockchain Analysis of Drug-Related Wallets
The Financial Monitoring Agency continues systematic work against money laundering from drug trafficking and online fraud. It previously reported the dismantling of one of the largest shadow crypto services in the CIS, 'RAKS Exchange'.
Crypto Exchange Crackdown and Fund Launch
Kazakhstan shut down 130 illegal crypto exchanges and seized $16.7 million in assets. Authorities also uncovered 81 shadow cash-out groups with a $43 million turnover. The country launched the Alem Crypto Fund in partnership with BNB Chain.
What's Next
AFM continues to identify and dismantle drop cells across Kazakhstan. It remains unclear how many additional networks remain active or whether the agency will pursue stricter regulations on cryptocurrency transactions.
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Kazakhstan shuts 33 money-laundering cells, seizes 112 bln tenge
