Kazakhstan shuts down one of darkweb’s largest crypto service provider in CIS
Images | depositphotos
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday held a meeting with the Chairman of the Financial Monitoring Agency, Zhanat Elimanov, Kazinform News Agency cites the press service of Akorda.
Elimanov reported the Agency exposed fake companies via which over 24 billion tenge was cashed out; shut down 20 unauthorized crypto exchanges, laundering profits from drug sales and fraud. The Financial Monitoring Agency dissolved the largest crypto service provider in the CIS, which worked with 20 platforms on the darkweb and offered service to up to 200 drug stores; virtual assets worth 9.7 million US dollars were frozen, according to the Chairman.
The Kazakh President was briefed about completion of 720 criminal cases, as well as elimination of 15 organized crime groups, including three transnational ones.
Tokayev was informed about the crackdown on smuggling of 17.1 billion worth of petroleum products, and the shutdown of two underground tobacco production and 16 surrogate alcohol production workshops. Vapes worth 12 billion tenge were seized from the shadow economy.
The Agency prevented unreasonable budget spending of 164 billion tenge in large-scale infrastructure projects implementation and inefficient use of subsidies to the amount of 11 billion tenge in the agricultural sector. Facts of unjustified withdrawal of 200 billion tenge from the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund (UAPF) for fictitious dental services were revealed.
Elimanov also reported about 23 ongoing investigations against illegal provision of loans by microfinance organizations, causing financial losses worth 71 billion tenge. Work is underway to return and write-off debts of over 300,000 borrowers; 45 financial pyramids, which involved 112,000 citizens, were liquidated. The Agency shut down 31,500 scam websites and links to fraudulent projects and gambling games.
In conclusion, the Head of State set Chairman Zhanat Elimanov a number of tasks relating to the Agency’s key activities.
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"Armour of God: Ultimatum" to be filmed in Mangistau
Images | Facebook/Jackie Chan
Actor Jackie Chan and director of Armour of God: Ultimatum, Robert Kun, have officially designated Mangistau as the main filming location for their new major cinematic project, Qazinform News Agency has learnt from the Regional Public Communications Center.
During the visit, the film team examined the region’s natural and infrastructural potential, touring dozens of possible sites and conducting thorough inspections of key natural landmarks. Following extensive discussions, Mangistau was selected as the filming location for Armour of God thanks to its unique landscapes, sweeping panoramas, and distinctive natural character.
Preparatory and organizational work on the project will continue as planned.
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Kazakh Film Days Held in Oslo
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The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Norway, together with the national film studio "Kazakhfilm" named after Shaken Aimanov, organized the "Kazakh Cinema Days" in Oslo from November 19 to December 11, 2025, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
As part of the program, the Kazakh films "Myn Bala: Warriors of the Steppe", "The Story of a Mother", and "Districts" were screened.
The screenings took place at one of the leading cultural centers located in the heart of the Norwegian capital - the Cinemateket (Norsk Filminstitutt) cinema.
The concept behind the film screenings was based on the idea of presenting the history of Kazakhstan across different periods - from the era of state formation to modern social realities.
The films were attended by representatives of Norway’s official, business, and public circles, as well as students, members of diplomatic missions, and the Kazakh diaspora.
The program generated genuine interest among local audiences in Kazakhstan’s history, cultural traditions, and contemporary society, highlighting the importance of such events for further dialogue between the two countries.
The Kazakh Cinema Days became an important event in the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Norway and contributed to strengthening cultural ties between our countries.
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Kazakhstan and World Health Organization Strengthen Cooperation
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First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, met with representatives of the World Health Organization in Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The meeting was attended by WHO Representative in Kazakhstan, Skender Syla, and Melitta Jakab, Head of the Geographically Dispersed Office of the WHO Regional Office for Europe located in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The discussion focused on key areas of cooperation in the health sector and strengthening joint initiatives.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the results achieved by Kazakhstan in key areas of the healthcare system. In particular, they noted a 25% reduction in non-communicable diseases, an increase in the average life expectancy to 75.4 years, and positive trends in maternal and child health.
Additionally, the parties considered opportunities to expand cooperation with WHO in the context of the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit in April.
First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev emphasized the importance of increasing the number of Kazakh healthcare professionals working in international organizations and promoting their professional development within the WHO system.
In this regard, organization representatives noted that the possibility of organizing professional training and development programs for healthcare workers in Kazakhstan is being considered. Organization also highlighted that Kazakhstan’s achievements in primary health care are recognized by many countries as a positive example.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue joint efforts aimed at improving the quality of medical services, ensuring their accessibility for the population, and further strengthening the healthcare system.
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Prospects for Establishing New Academic and Research Alliances Discussed in Istanbul
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An extended roundtable was held in Istanbul with the participation of more than 25 rectors and representatives of leading Turkish universities to discuss the Address of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, "Kazakhstan in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Current Challenges and Their Solutions Through Digital Transformation". The event served as an expert platform for analyzing the role of higher education and science in implementing Kazakhstan’s strategic priorities, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the discussion, a comprehensive overview of the initiatives outlined by the Head of State was presented, including the development of artificial intelligence, the digital modernization of industry, strengthening economic resilience, and transforming educational standards. Participants noted that the Address clearly sets a course toward shaping a new technological paradigm and enhancing human capital.
The meeting also examined the prospects for creating new academic and research alliances between universities in Kazakhstan and Türkiye, focusing on AI, digital studies, and the innovation-driven economy. Turkish scholars emphasized that President Tokayev’s Address fully aligns with global trends in the development of science and technology.
Special attention was given to training specialists for the industries of the future, improving scientific infrastructure, and integrating universities of both countries into a shared regional innovation ecosystem.
At the conclusion of the roundtable, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to expand long-term cooperation and initiate joint programs to support the implementation of the outlined objectives.
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Kazakh Room Reopened at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
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On the eve of the 34th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence, a solemn ceremony was held at the United Nations Office at Geneva to mark the reopening of the renovated Kazakh Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Opening remarks were delivered by Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization and international economic organizations Kairat Torebayev; Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva Tatiana Valovaya; and Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ugochi Daniels. The honored guest was the renowned Kazakh singer, Kazakhstan’s Goodwill Ambassador, and IOM Global Goodwill ambassador, Dimash Qudaibergen.
The event was attended by heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations, and members of the Kazakh diaspora.
"Kazakh Room is not just a meeting room; it is a symbol of Kazakhstan’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, and peace. We are pleased to open its doors today together with Dimash - a voice that unites millions of people around the world", - K. Torebayev noted in his remarks.
During the ceremony, IOM Deputy Director General U.Daniels officially announced the appointment of D.Qudaibergen as an IOM Global Goodwill Ambassador. Dimash is also one of the first Goodwill Ambassadors of Kazakhstan under the national project of the same name launched in 2024.
Addressing the guests, D.Qudaibergen emphasized that music is a universal language understood by everyone without translation. He warmly spoke about his fans - the Dears - who learn Kazakh songs, play national instruments, travel to Kazakhstan, and sincerely discover its culture. According to the artist, this inspires him to carry a message of peace, kindness, and unity.
Guests were shown singer’s video "Kieli Meken" as well as an IOM video about his work as a Goodwill Ambassador. At the end of the ceremony, guests were offered traditional Kazakh treats.
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