Belarus and Kazakhstan agree to bolster cooperation against cybercrime amid a significant rise in cyber theft incidents, with reported cases increasing from 5 to over 1,000 in the past seven years. A new international investigative group has been formed to tackle these crimes, while requests for legal assistance have surged from Belarus to Kazakhstan, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts.
Belarus and Kazakhstan have agreed to enhance their cooperation in combating cybercrime following a meeting led by Oleg Shandarovich, the First Deputy Chairman of Belarus’ Investigative Committee, and Kazakhstan’s Prosecutor General Berik Asylov. The meeting underscored a mutual commitment to strengthen international collaboration in legal matters related to cybercrime.
Concerns were raised about a drastic increase in cyber-related thefts from Belarusian citizens, specifically noting a rise from five reported incidents seven years ago to over 1,000 in 2024. This alarming trend indicates the need for heightened cooperation between the two countries to address these crimes effectively.
To tackle this issue, both parties shared strategies and established an international investigative group comprising law enforcement from both nations. The group is spearheaded by Sergei Gamko, the Deputy Head of Belarus’ Digital Forensic Investigation Directorate, allowing for a united effort in addressing shared criminal challenges.
Further discussion highlighted a significant rise in requests for international legal assistance from Belarus to Kazakhstan. Statistics indicate an increase from 65 requests in 2021 to 1,080 in the previous year, showcasing an urgent need for enhanced bilateral legal frameworks and cooperative mechanisms in addressing cybercrime.
The cooperation between Belarus and Kazakhstan marks a significant step in addressing the growing threat of cybercrime. With rising incidents of financial theft and an increase in legal assistance requests, both countries are recognizing the need for a coordinated response. Establishing a joint investigative team reflects the commitment to tackle these challenges collaboratively and effectively.
Original Source: eng.belta.by