A 28-year-old man was detained in Astana on suspicion of online fraud in obtaining a Turkish visa. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the victim transferred him 600,000 tenge, but never received the promised service.
The man found clients through social networks and messengers. He presented himself as a reliable intermediary and offered to help with obtaining a Turkish visa.
The suspect convinced one of the clients to make an advance payment allegedly for document preparation and visa processing. After receiving the money, the man began to delay the service under various pretexts, and then stopped contacting.
The damage to the victim was estimated at 600,000 tenge.
The man's identity was established during the Hi-Tech operational-preventive operation. He was detained, and a pre-trial investigation is currently underway.
"Before transferring an advance payment for visa processing, employment, or other paid services, it is necessary to verify the legality and reliability of the service provider," the Ministry of Internal Affairs warned.
The police recommend not to transfer money for services to dubious intermediaries on the Internet and to contact official organizations and licensed agencies.
Earlier, Kursiv reported on the difficulties Kazakhstani citizens face when obtaining a US visa. The adjusted refusal rate for tourist and business visas reaches 51.75%, and the wait for an interview averages about 45 days in Almaty and up to 90 days in Astana. The consular fee is $185. Attempts to increase visa chances with fake certificates, fictitious bookings, or hiding previous refusals can result in a multi-year ban on entering the US.