Data leak of 16 million Kazakh citizens: PM shares preliminary investigation results

Tengrinews.kz – Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov shared preliminary results of the investigation into the mass data leak affecting 16 million Kazakh citizens.

The head of government confirmed the fact of the personal data breach and stated that an investigation is underway.

“The matter is being investigated by the relevant authorities. A criminal case has been opened. I can say that the data is from 2022, according to current information. So, the leak reflects the situation from that period. Of course, such incidents are shameful — including for the government,” he stated.

Bektenov also revealed that the leak allegedly originated from medical institutions:

“According to preliminary findings from the investigating bodies, the leak most likely occurred from medical organizations. These institutions are granted access to state databases, but then fail to ensure data security. There is legal liability for this. We will respond accordingly — both legislatively and operationally — as these threats grow,” Bektenov promised.

Journalists also asked whether anyone had been punished yet for the breach.

“In this particular case — not yet. No concrete conclusions have been made so far. But I am confident that law enforcement will get to the bottom of it, identify who is responsible, and that person will be held criminally liable,” the Prime Minister concluded.