Kazakhstan Tightens Laws: Droppers and Bride Kidnappers Now Face Prison

Two new articles of the Criminal Code came into force in Kazakhstan on September 16. One targets cyber fraudsters, the other those who force marriage, Orda.kz reports.

Dropping Now Prohibited

Article 232-1 has been added to the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan, establishing criminal liability for “dropping” — a scheme in which a person illegally provides, buys, or sells access to bank accounts, cards, or other payment instruments.

Transfers and payments carried out for a fee on behalf of third parties are also banned.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that the new measure is designed to combat cybercrime and protect the financial security of citizens.

Earlier, police detained a 24-year-old Russian in Oral who stole more than 12 million tenge through dropper schemes.

Bride Kidnappers

For the first time, Kazakh legislation directly defines criminal liability for forcing someone into marriage.

The harshest penalties apply when coercion involves violence, is committed against a minor, is carried out by a group, or involves abuse of official position.

At the same time, Article 125 of the Criminal Code has been amended: kidnappers will now be held liable even if they voluntarily release the victim. Previously, this could have served as a mitigating factor.

Such cases have often ended in tragedy. In May this year, in the Almaty region, during the ritual of "alyp qashu" — the practice of bride kidnapping and forced marriage — a car carrying a kidnapped bride crashed.

The girl died on the spot, while the groom and two of his friends were hospitalized.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov