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Tengrinews.kz - A special unit focused on violations in the field of digital assets has been created in Kazakhstan. The information was provided by the Department of Economic Investigations (DEI) in Almaty.
According to the agency, the "Crypton" unit has been established within the Financial Monitoring Agency to combat violations related to digital assets and to investigate cases of illegal cryptocurrency use.
Daniyar Akzhanov, head of the DEI in Almaty, mentioned that six criminal cases involving the exchange of digital assets worth over $58.5 million are currently being investigated, and 134 internet resources have been blocked.
"Cryptocurrency is used to ensure the security and anonymity of transactions. It can be freely converted, used to purchase goods and services, exchanged, and cashed through any second-tier bank account. Its popularity among users is growing, but it also attracts criminals, as it can be used for illegal purposes such as money laundering, financing terrorism, and other crimes," Akzhanov stated at a briefing.
The Financial Monitoring Agency previously reported that they are monitoring illegal operations involving cryptocurrency, including purchases, sales, and payments for goods and services.
According to the agency, the issuance of unsecured digital assets (Bitcoin, Ethereum) is prohibited in Kazakhstan, as is the circulation of these assets and the activities of exchanges dealing in them, except for those licensed by the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
Kazakhstan has seen an increase in court rulings for illegal operations involving cryptocurrency. Recently, a resident of Astana was convicted for acquiring cryptocurrency worth approximately 615 million tenge from September 2022 to February 2024. He used these funds at an exchange point but did not have a license to provide financial services in this area.
During a recent address to the nation, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the issues surrounding digital assets, mining, and cryptocurrency exchanges.
"We have entrepreneurs consuming large amounts of electricity to the detriment of the economy, yet they do not pay taxes adequately. We need to address this. In general, we must continue to actively develop telecommunications networks and data centers, implement global cybersecurity standards, and enhance the competencies of our specialists," Tokayev said.
Read also: Illegal bitcoin miners almost left a Kazakh town without electricity
