Crooks in the Kostanay region purchased WhatsApp accounts from teenagers
Kazakhstan: Minors and Parents Facing Legal Consequences for Selling WhatsApp Accounts to Scammers
In Kazakhstan, a recent incident has brought attention to the seriousness of minors selling WhatsApp accounts to phone scammers. Three 15-year-old minors from Zhitikara, Kostanay region, were identified by the Cybercrime Prevention Department, and their actions have led to the defrauding of two women of 11 million 950 thousand tenge.
The sale of WhatsApp accounts can lead to fraudulent activities, as demonstrated by this incident. Minors aged 14 and older in Kazakhstan may face criminal liability for such actions, which generally fall under criminal liability related to fraud, cybercrime, or aiding criminal acts.
Kazakh law takes minors involved in illegal activities seriously. While the specific legal framework on selling WhatsApp accounts might not be explicitly codified, the behavior is considered a criminal offence. The courts often consider age when determining penalties, focusing more on rehabilitation than punishment.
Parents or legal guardians may also face legal consequences if they are found negligent in supervising the minor or if their negligence contributed to the minor’s illegal activity. In some cases, they may face fines or other sanctions under family or administrative law.
The investigation regarding the incident is currently ongoing, and the actions of the minors will be evaluated legally. The question of holding the parents accountable will also be considered during the investigation.
To prevent such incidents, law enforcement agencies advise parents to pay closer attention to their children's online activities. They remind the public that scammers often use various schemes, including creating fake accounts in messengers and social networks, to gain the trust of victims and extort money from them.
This case serves as a reminder that digital security is crucial, and misuse of social media accounts for scams attracts law enforcement attention under cybercrime statutes. It is advisable to consult Kazakhstan’s current criminal and family law codes, as well as regulations on cybercrime, for precise legal references.
[1] Kazakhstan's Criminal Code [2] Kazakhstan's Family Code [3] Kazakhstan's Law on Cybercrime
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