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Countering the Legalization of Proceeds from Drug Trafficking in the Context of Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2025

Bolat Yerkenov*
Affiliation:
Almaty Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan named after Makan Esbulatov, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
Yerzhan Bimoldanov
Affiliation:
Almaty Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan named after Makan Esbulatov, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
Aidar Saitbekov
Affiliation:
Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan
*
Corresponding author: Bolat Yerkenov; Email: byerkenov@gmail.com

Abstract

This study examines how to counter the legalization of proceeds from illicit drug trafficking in the context of Kazakhstan’s digitalizing economy. It analyses industry reports and applies Walker’s gravity formula and a related conceptual model. Such proceeds account for 2 to 5% of annual gross domestic profit globally, highlighting a serious economic issue. In Kazakhstan, this problem is intensified by the country’s location on major drug trafficking routes and insufficient alignment of its financial sector with international standards for monitoring financial transactions. The risks are worsened by the anonymity and speed of digital tools, which hinder the detection and blocking of suspicious activity. Criminals exploit digital technologies – such as debit cards, peer-to-peer platforms and privacy coins – to launder illicit funds. To combat this, the study recommends using big-data analytics to detect risks, machine learning to respond to them, international cooperation to establish transaction standards, and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance. Implementing these measures will require multi-sectoral reforms and coordinated efforts across public administration.

Abstracto

Abstracto

Este estudio examina cómo contrarrestar la legalización de los ingresos provenientes del narcotráfico en el contexto de la economía digitalizada de Kazajistán. Analiza informes del sector y aplica la fórmula de gravedad de Walker y un modelo conceptual relacionado. Dichos ingresos representan entre el 2% y el 5% del PIB anual a nivel mundial, lo que pone de relieve un grave problema económico. En Kazajistán, este problema se ve agravado por la ubicación del país en las principales rutas del narcotráfico y la insuficiente alineación de su sector financiero con los estándares internacionales de monitoreo de transacciones financieras. Los riesgos se ven agravados por el anonimato y la velocidad de las herramientas digitales, que dificultan la detección y el bloqueo de actividades sospechosas. Los delincuentes explotan las tecnologías digitales, como las tarjetas de débito, las plataformas peer-to-peer y las criptomonedas de privacidad, para blanquear fondos ilícitos. Para combatir esto, el estudio recomienda utilizar el análisis de big data para detectar riesgos, el aprendizaje automático para responder a ellos, la cooperación internacional para establecer estándares de transacción y la monitorización continua para garantizar el cumplimiento. La implementación de estas medidas requerirá reformas multisectoriales y esfuerzos coordinados en toda la administración pública.

Abstrait

Abstrait

Cette étude examine les moyens de lutter contre la légalisation des produits du trafic de drogue dans le contexte de la numérisation de l’économie kazakhe. Elle analyse les rapports sectoriels et applique la formule de gravité de Walker et un modèle conceptuel associé. Ces produits représentent entre 2 et 5 % du PIB annuel mondial, ce qui met en évidence un grave problème économique. Au Kazakhstan, ce problème est aggravé par la situation géographique du pays sur les principales routes du trafic de drogue et par l’insuffisance de la conformité de son secteur financier aux normes internationales de surveillance des transactions financières. Les risques sont aggravés par l’anonymat et la rapidité des outils numériques, qui entravent la détection et le blocage des activités suspectes. Les criminels exploitent les technologies numériques, telles que les cartes de débit, les plateformes peer-to-peer et les cryptomonnaies privées, pour blanchir des fonds illicites. Pour lutter contre ce phénomène, l’étude recommande de recourir à l’analyse du big data pour détecter les risques, à l’apprentissage automatique pour y répondre, à la coopération internationale pour établir des normes de transaction et à une surveillance continue pour garantir la conformité. La mise en oeuvre de ces mesures nécessitera des réformes multisectorielles et des efforts coordonnés au sein de l’administration publique.

摘要

摘要

本研究探讨了在哈萨克斯坦数字化经济背景下如何应对非法毒品贩运收益的合法化。研究分析了行业报告,并运用沃克引力公式及其相关概念模型。此类收益占全球年度GDP的2%至5%,凸显了一个严重的经济问题。在哈萨克斯坦,由于地处主要毒品贩运路线,且其金融部门与国际金融交易监控标准接轨不足,这一问题更加严重。数字工具的匿名性和快速性阻碍了对可疑活动的检测和拦截,进一步加剧了风险。犯罪分子利用借记卡、点对点平台和隐私币等数字技术来洗钱。为了应对这一问题,该研究建议使用大数据分析来检测风险,利用机器学习来应对风险,开展国际合作来制定交易标准,并持续监控以确保合规。实施这些措施需要多部门改革和公共行政部门的协调努力。

ملخص

ملخص

تبحث هذه الدراسة في كيفية مواجهة تقنين عائدات الاتجار غير المشروع بالمخدرات في سياق اقتصاد كازاخستان المتحول رقميًا. وتُحلل تقارير القطاع، وتُطبق صيغة الجاذبية لووكر ونموذجًا مفاهيميًا ذا صلة. تُمثل هذه العائدات ما بين 2% و5% من الناتج المحلي الإجمالي السنوي عالميًا، مما يُسلط الضوء على مشكلة اقتصادية خطيرة. في كازاخستان، تتفاقم هذه المشكلة بسبب موقع البلاد على طرق رئيسية لتهريب المخدرات، وعدم كفاية مواءمة قطاعها المالي مع المعايير الدولية لرصد المعاملات المالية. وتتفاقم المخاطر بسبب عدم الكشف عن الهوية وسرعة الأدوات الرقمية، مما يُعيق اكتشاف الأنشطة المشبوهة وحظرها. يستغل المجرمون التقنيات الرقمية - مثل بطاقات الخصم، ومنصات الند للند، وعملات الخصوصية - لغسل الأموال غير المشروعة. ولمواجهة ذلك، توصي الدراسة باستخدام تحليلات البيانات الضخمة للكشف عن المخاطر، والتعلم الآلي للاستجابة لها، والتعاون الدولي لوضع معايير للمعاملات، والمراقبة المستمرة لضمان الامتثال. وسيتطلب تنفيذ هذه التدابير إصلاحات متعددة القطاعات وتنسيق الجهود على مستوى الإدارة العامة.

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© International Society of Criminology, 2025

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