Unauthorized disclosure of banking information to external parties is criminalized in Kazakhstan
In a bid to protect citizens from financial crimes and the misuse of personal data, the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kazakhstan has announced changes in the country's criminal legislation. These changes specifically target the sharing and misuse of bank account details and related digital identifiers.
Under the new Article 232-1 of the Criminal Code of the RK, transferring bank account details to third parties is now a criminal offence, carrying potential penalties. Participating in 'easy money' schemes involving the transfer of a bank card or account is also strongly discouraged.
The amended Article 640 of the Code of Administrative Offenses holds both the person who shares their electronic digital signature (EDS) private key and the person who uses it without authorization criminally responsible. This directly addresses misuse related to identity impersonation in electronic banking and transactions.
The new legislation also aims to strengthen the legal framework around personal data protection. Amendments under review will enhance mechanisms for safeguarding sensitive information held by state and financial entities, following large-scale data leaks involving millions of citizens.
Criminal provisions related to misuse of entrusted property and corruption also apply to cases where bank account details are misused in corruption or fraud. These laws carry penalties including fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of assets.
For individuals, these changes mean stricter accountability. Sharing digital signature keys or bank account details can lead to administrative or criminal liability. Exposed personal data increases risks of identity theft and fraud, urging citizens to use government services like NomadGuard to check if their data has been compromised.
Financial institutions must also adapt to these changes. While Kazakhstan’s legislation specifically addresses misuse by individuals, the broader trend internationally, such as in the UK, is expanding institutional liability for failure to prevent fraud, including insider fraud. Financial institutions must implement robust fraud detection and information security measures to avoid legal consequences.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs continues to take steps to protect citizens from the misuse of personal data in financial crimes. They advise against involvement in schemes that may lead to the misuse of personal data and suggest contacting banks or law enforcement agencies for assistance in suspicious activities. If there's a slight suspicion of illegal activities, immediate action is recommended.
The importance of personal data in maintaining property, security, and legal responsibility cannot be overstated. Fraudsters often use other people's bank cards for money laundering and schemes that defraud citizens. Sharing bank data with third parties is not recommended.
In summary, Kazakhstan’s new criminal legislation criminalizes the unauthorized sharing and use of bank-related digital signatures and enhances frameworks to protect personal financial data. For individuals, this means stricter accountability and increased risks from data leaks. For financial institutions, it signals a push toward stronger fraud prevention and data protection duties supported by legal reforms. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reiterates the importance of personal data protection in preventing financial crimes.
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