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Cyber Fraud

Kazakhstan Announces Crackdown on Counterfeit Cellular Base Station Scheme

Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) has reported the dismantling of a cyber fraud scheme involving counterfeit cellular base stations. According to the agency, this is the first such case identified in the post-Soviet region. Authorities say the criminal group used the equipment to intercept data on a large scale and send phishing messages. According to the AFM, the attackers used a special device, a so-called SMS blaster that imitated the operation of mobile operator base stations. The device generated a strong signal within a radius of up to 300 meters, causing mobile phones to connect to it automatically and switch to a less secure network. This allowed the attackers to bypass operators' security mechanisms. After connecting, subscribers received fake SMS messages purportedly sent on behalf of well-known companies, offering the chance to redeem accumulated bonuses. Clicking the link led to phishing websites, where users were prompted to select products and then enter personal information, including phone number, full name, bank details, CVV code, and SMS confirmation codes. This enabled the attackers to access confidential information and funds. According to the agency, the equipment was placed in vehicles and used while in motion to expand coverage and avoid detection. The messages were sent primarily in crowded areas, such as markets and near shopping and entertainment centers. The devices’ technical capabilities allowed them to send up to 100,000 messages per hour, significantly increasing the potential scale of the fraud. The operation to disrupt the group’s activities was carried out by the AFM under the coordination of the Prosecutor General’s Office, with the participation of cybersecurity specialists from a mobile operator. The uncovered scheme comes amid a broader rise in telephone and internet fraud in Kazakhstan. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, nearly 85 million fraudulent calls were blocked in the country in 2025. At the same time, authorities are introducing additional regulatory measures, including mandatory biometric identification for mobile subscribers, aimed at strengthening efforts to combat digital crime.

Digital Fraud Prevention

Kazakhstan Introduces Mandatory Biometric ID for Mobile Phone Subscribers

Kazakhstan is implementing mandatory biometric identification for all new mobile phone subscribers as part of broader efforts to combat telephone and internet fraud, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development has announced. The ministry noted that the country already enforces several measures to address SIM card misuse, including efforts to prevent fraud, illegal SIM registration, and the use of devices for mass calls and bulk messaging. From the start of 2026, these safeguards will be tightened further. Under the new regulations, SIM cards will only be issued after biometric identification is completed. Communication services will not be activated until the subscriber's identity is verified through facial scanning. The policy applies to both individuals and legal entities. “For businesses and organizations, this requirement also applies to employees issued SIM cards for work-related purposes. Biometric identification eliminates anonymous number usage and increases accountability,” the ministry stated. Authorities expect the measure to curb illegal SIM sales via dealers and intermediaries. Regardless of where a number is purchased, service activation will only occur once the end user’s identity is confirmed. Additionally, a cap has been introduced on the number of SIM cards that can be registered to a single individual: up to ten for personal and family use. Exceeding this limit requires documented justification and identification of the devices in which the extra SIMs will be used. “This approach reduces the risk of mass SIM registration, a hallmark of fraudulent operations,” the ministry added. A key component of the new anti-fraud framework is the expansion of collaboration between mobile operators and the Anti-Fraud Center of the National Bank of Kazakhstan. This cooperation is intended to ensure the swift identification and deactivation of numbers linked to criminal activity. “In the case of suspicious calls or SMS messages, including those made using SIM boxes, telecom operators will relay subscriber information to the National Bank's Anti-Fraud Center and launch an investigation. If fraud is confirmed, the number will be blocked immediately and telecom services suspended,” the ministry explained. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan also intends to introduce joint liability for banks and mobile operators in cases of internet fraud perpetrated through their infrastructure.

mobile phones

Legal Imports of Chinese Smartphones Surge in Kazakhstan

Mandatory verification of mobile phones imported into Kazakhstan has led to a significant reduction in the shadow market, according to Deputy Minister of Finance Yerzhan Birzhanov. He stated that official imports of many popular Chinese smartphone models have increased 1.5 times and for some models, up to four times. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakh authorities introduced a policy in March 2025 requiring telecom operators to check the IMEI codes of smartphones and disable illegally imported devices. This measure applied to all phones brought into the country after March 24. Parliamentary deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva supported the move, citing that 64% of mobile devices in Kazakhstan were previously brought in through illegal or "gray" channels. In 2024 alone, this led to an estimated loss of nearly 100 billion tenge (approximately $196 million) in unpaid value-added tax (VAT). The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, later reorganized as the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, reported even higher levels of illicit trade. According to its data, around 5 million smartphones were sold in Kazakhstan in 2024, with up to 75% believed to have been imported illegally. However, there has been no immediate impact in the premium segment. “This was expected, as consumers were awaiting the release of new models from brands like Apple and Samsung. We anticipate growth in legal volumes from these brands as soon as sales data from October becomes available,” Birzhanov added. Under the new system, all smartphones imported into Kazakhstan after March 2025 are categorized based on their IMEI codes into three lists: white, gray, and black. The white list includes legally purchased and customs-cleared devices. The gray list comprises phones with suspicious or duplicate IMEI codes; owners of these devices have 30 days to verify their legitimacy. The black list includes stolen or counterfeit devices, which are barred from network access. In a further step to combat illegal imports, Kazakhstan also introduced personal import limits. As of this year, individuals are permitted to bring in no more than two smartphones and two tablets per year without customs clearance.

Import

Tajikistan Introduces 20% Duty on Imported Mobile Phones

Starting July 1, 2025, Tajikistan will impose a 20% customs duty on all imported mobile phones, including both feature phones and smartphones. This marks a significant policy shift, as such devices were previously exempt from import duties. Policy Details According to Government Decree No. 364, dated June 10, the duty applies to goods classified under HS codes 8517130000 and 8517140000, which encompass mobile phones, including smartphones. The new regulation stipulates a 20% tariff based on the customs value of the imported goods. “This means that upon import, phones will be subject to a 20% charge on their declared value,” a local trade expert explained. As a result, the retail price of a single device could rise by nearly one-fifth. Expected Price Increases Analysts predict retail prices for mobile phones will rise by 15% to 25%, depending on the brand and model. The price hike is expected to shift consumer preferences, with more people likely turning to budget or second-hand devices. The government has not publicly provided an official rationale for the duty. The decree was issued without accompanying commentary. However, economists suggest the measure is intended to bolster state revenues by broadening the import tax base. Experts advise consumers planning to purchase a new phone to do so before July 1, as many foreign-manufactured models, particularly those brought in through official channels, are expected to become significantly more expensive thereafter. Tightened Import Controls This move follows earlier steps by the Tajik government to tighten oversight of the mobile phone market. Since February 1, 2023, all mobile phones and tablets must be registered through their IMEI numbers. Devices connected to local mobile networks were automatically logged into the national database during a three-month grace period. From May 1, 2023, all imported phones must undergo formal customs clearance, with IMEI numbers automatically registered upon completion. Individuals bringing phones into the country for personal use or as gifts must complete a T-6 customs form. In such cases, IMEI registration is also automatic. While IMEI registration for individuals is free, all customs-related costs are borne by importers and are typically passed on to consumers through retail pricing. As a result, Tajik consumers should expect further price pressures starting in July, likely making new mobile phones less accessible to the broader population.