Kazakhstan Authorities Probe Illegal Vape Sales in Ulytau Region
The Financial Monitoring Agency of Ulytau Region, Kazakhstan, is investigating a case involving the suspected illegal sale of vapes and the illegal acquisition of bank account access. The suspect is accused of selling prohibited vape products remotely via social media since 2024, using a “dropper” account scheme to conceal the origin of funds. Law enforcement officers seized more than 500 vapes during a search, and the suspect has been placed under house arrest. Approximately 30.7 million tenge (about US$61,400) in the suspect’s bank accounts has been frozen by court order.
Key Points at a Glance
- Country and Region: Ulytau Region, Kazakhstan.
- Alleged Offenses: Illegal sale of vapes and unlawful acquisition of bank account access.
- Method of Operation: Social media sales since 2024; remote transactions; delivery via hired couriers.
- Asset Measures: Court-approved freezing of approximately 30.7 million tenge (US$61,400).
- Legal Context: “Dropper” activities to be criminalized from September 2025 under Article 232-1 of the Criminal Code.
Investigation by the Financial Monitoring Agency
According to a January 27, 2026, report by Ustinka LIVE, the Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) of Ulytau Region is investigating two suspected criminal activities: the illegal sale of vapes and other electronic nicotine delivery devices, and the illegal acquisition of access to bank accounts.
Suspected Social Media–Based Sales Operation
Law enforcement officials reported that a resident of Satpayev, Kazakhstan, has been selling prohibited vape devices via social media platforms since 2024. All transactions were carried out remotely, with orders delivered to customers by hired couriers or riders.
Use of “Dropper” Scheme to Conceal Proceeds
Authorities stated that, to conceal and “legitimize” proceeds from the illegal vape sales, the suspect employed a so-called “drop scheme.” This involved exchanging payments for access to a mobile banking application registered under the name of a third party, commonly referred to as a “dropper” or straw man.
During a search operation, law enforcement officers seized more than 500 Vape devices. The suspected organizers have been placed under house arrest, and, with court authorization, approximately 30.7 million tenge in their bank accounts has been frozen.
Restrictions on Further Disclosure
The report noted that, pursuant to Article 201 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Procedure Code, additional details related to the investigation will not be disclosed at this stage.
Upcoming Criminalization of “Dropper” Activities
The report also highlighted that Kazakhstan will formally criminalize “dropper”-related activities beginning in September 2025. Under Article 232-1 of the Criminal Code, individuals who provide bank accounts or SIM cards for illegal purposes may face penalties ranging from fines to up to seven years’ imprisonment, along with possible confiscation of property.
