Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee has detained 13 Chinese citizens who were staying in the country in violation of migration laws.

An investigation revealed that the individuals had established a covert international internet fraud operation in Kazakhstan, Zakon.kz reports.

“Large quantities of computer equipment, mobile phones, Starlink satellite internet communication kits, and substantial funds held in cryptocurrency wallets were found in their possession. The group’s activities targeted citizens of other countries who are not residents of Kazakhstan and were coordinated from abroad,” the National Security Committee said in an official statement.

The investigation was subsequently conducted in cooperation with partners from China’s Ministry of Public Security, the committee added.

“Some of the detained individuals are wanted in their home country for similar offenses,” Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee said.