Kazakhstan AFM dismantles phishing ring that sent 150,000 SMS in four days
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Kazakhstan's Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) has dismantled a criminal group that sent about 150,000 phishing SMS messages to Beeline, Kcell and Activ subscribers over four days. The group used an SMS blaster to bypass operator filters and lure users to fake sites to steal bank card data and SMS codes. Four suspects have been placed in custody.
Key Facts
- The phishing campaign sent approximately 150,000 SMS messages to subscribers of Beeline, Kcell and Activ over four days.
- The group used an SMS blaster, a device that imitates a cellular base station to bypass operator filtering systems.
- Four suspects have been placed in custody, and an investigation is ongoing under Part 2 of Article 399 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan.
- The scheme was organized in January by a foreign citizen from a Southeast Asian country who hired a local resident for a monetary reward.
The Phishing Operation
The criminal group used an SMS blaster to send phishing messages that appeared to come from well-known companies offering bonus exchanges. When users clicked the link, they were redirected to a fake website where they were asked to enter personal and banking data, including payment card details, CVV codes and SMS confirmation codes. The suspects thereby gained access to citizens' confidential information and bank funds.
Investigation and Arrests
The investigation established that the seized SMS blaster is a special technical device intended for operational-search activities and covert investigative actions. Four suspects have been placed in custody, and the investigation continues. The case has been opened under Part 2 of Article 399 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan, which covers illegal manufacture, acquisition or use of special technical means for covertly obtaining information.
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Kazakhstan AFM dismantles phishing ring that sent 150,000 SMS in four days
