Thirteen Chinese nationals have been detained in Kazakhstan on suspicion of organizing an international online fraud scheme. Authorities discovered computers, mobile phones, Starlink equipment and large amounts of cryptocurrency in their possession.
Authorities identified the individuals during a routine migration inspection. All 13 were found to be in the country illegally. Moreover, the National Security Committee (KNB) determined that they were likely involved in online fraud.
«The group’s activities were directed against the interests of foreign nationals — non-residents of the Republic of Kazakhstan — and were coordinated from abroad,» the KNB stated.
Chinese law enforcement agencies also joined the investigation, revealing that some of the detainees were already wanted in their home country for similar offenses.
On Oct. 16, Kazakhstan expelled all 13 individuals and handed them over to Chinese authorities.