Kazakhstan Busts Cross-Border Online Casino Fraud Scheme

Kazakh authorities have shut down a massive criminal network involving over 20 payment organizations, officials from second-tier banks, and an international network of participants.

The Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) announced the operation, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Investigators uncovered a cross-border money transfer scheme where funds were funneled through payment providers, disguised as legitimate transactions, and channeled to online casinos. Fintech service owners used “gray” POS terminals and Terminal IDs obtained through fake agreements with betting companies. The total volume of illegal transactions exceeds 600 billion tenge (nearly $1.2 billion).

Authorities also dismantled a call center supporting four online casinos, involving 120 people from Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Spain, and Vietnam. The organizers had set up a partner program processing over $200 million in deposits and withdrawals.

More than 70 searches were conducted, with evidence seized. Nine suspects are in custody, while eight others, including foreigners, are being prepared for international wanted notices.