Disgrunted borrowers of "Garante 24 Lombard" and "Vidny Loan" seek a transparent probe into the deception surrounding their investments
In Kazakhstan, three lomбарды, or financial institutions, were identified in Almaty, with their regional directors arrested and remanded. However, the investigative status of the financial pyramids "Guarant 24 Lombar" and "Profitable Loan" remains unclear, as no updates or official reports on ongoing investigations could be found.
The total damage caused by these schemes is estimated at 22 billion tenge, with over 18,000 Kazakhs filing complaints with the police. One of the victims, Nurlan Ashimov, a 46-year-old Kazakhstani, lost 10 million tenge. Originally planning to use the funds for buying a house, he ended up selling his apartment to invest in the scam.
Dmitry Akmaev, the main specialist of the department of the Financial Market Regulation and Development Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stated that rewards higher than what the market dictates are technically unfeasible and carry significant risks. This seems to be the case with these financial pyramids, which guarantee returns to attract investors, a practice not found in the stock market where investors are warned about potential risks.
Unfortunately, celebrities, including singers, actors, and bloggers, have been found willing to promote these scammers' activities. The potential fine for their involvement is negligible compared to the earnings they receive.
A meeting of scammed investors of "Guarant Lombar" and "Profitable Loan" took place, highlighting the impact of these schemes on the lives of ordinary citizens. The criminal case against "Guarant 24 Lombar" is complete, but five masterminds of the financial pyramid are still at large, with Interpol joining the hunt.
The criminal case is currently under investigation by the investigative department in Aктоbe. With over 51 people under investigation, it is hoped that justice will be served and those responsible will be brought to account. It is crucial for individuals to be vigilant and informed when dealing with financial institutions, and to seek information from official sources such as law enforcement announcements, financial regulatory agency releases, or reputable local news sources for the most current and accurate updates.
Finance and business scandals, such as the ones involving "Guarant 24 Lombar" and "Profitable Loan," are not confined to the general-news section but also extend to crime-and-justice, as these financial pyramids are suspected of defrauding over 18,000 Kazakhs, causing an estimated damage of 22 billion tenge. Despite the criminal case being incomplete, the impact of these schemes is evident in the lives of ordinary citizens, as illustrated by a meeting of scammed investors.
