Almaty, Kazakhstan – 26–27 November 2025, Government representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan gathered in Almaty for the Second Regional Cross-Cutting Meeting on Combatting Online Fraud and Cybercrime Associated with International Recruitment, organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and International Organization for Migration (IOM) under the ‘Safe Migration of Seasonal Workers from Central Asia to the United Kingdom’ project, funded by the UK International Development from the UK Government.

Cybercrime has become a growing global concern with far-reaching impacts on individuals, organizations, and governments. In recent years, fraudulent online job advertisements have increasingly targeted potential migrant workers from Central Asia, often misusing the names of legitimate UK companies and well-known international brands to deceive jobseekers. Under the UK Seasonal Worker Scheme genuine vacancies are available only through five licensed operators. However, thousands of fake offers continue to circulate online, exposing potential migrants to financial loss and exploitation. This trend emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated action, including awareness-raising, education, and effective cross-border mechanisms to identify and remove fraudulent advertisements and hold perpetrators accountable.

Building on the outcomes of the first meeting held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in February 2025, the event in Almaty, Kazakhstan, provided a platform for government officials, international experts, and law enforcement representatives to share progress, review national measures, and agree on joint steps to counter online recruitment fraud targeting prospective migrant workers across Central Asia.

Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Aidar Saitbekov, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sean Melbourne, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy in Astana, and Mr. Serhan Aktoprak, Chief of Mission at IOM Kazakhstan, Country Office with Coordinating Functions for Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, who underlined the importance of cross-border cooperation and collective action in protecting vulnerable jobseekers from fraudulent recruitment schemes.

“Online recruitment fraud exploits the hopes and aspirations of potential migrants. By working together as a region, we can build stronger systems of protection, improve detection, and make migration safer for all,” said Mr. Aktoprak.

The two-day meeting was facilitated by Mr. Darryl Dixon, Senior Research Fellow at Nottingham Trent University (UK) and former Director at the UK’s Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). Participants discussed national and regional progress on education, prevention, investigation, and intergovernmental cooperation in countering fraudulent online job advertisements that misuse company identities and target jobseekers across the region.

The event featured presentations from government representatives on national efforts to investigate fraudulent schemes, remove fake adverts, and raise awareness among potential migrants. Representatives from INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate and the United Kingdom Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) joined the discussions, providing insight into international best practices and opportunities for future cooperation. The event also served as a platform for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and IOM.

Participants agreed to develop country and regional action plans to prevent online recruitment fraud, strengthen cross-border coordination and information exchange, and explore the creation of a shared database to track fraudulent job adverts and misused company identities.

“Safe, orderly and scam-free migration requires a multisectoral partnership and human-centered approach. By working together with governments, law enforcement, and international partners, we are building a safer environment where migration is a choice made with trust, dignity, and security,” said Nodira Aminova, Regional Project Manager.

The meeting reaffirmed IOM’s role as a convener and facilitator of regional cooperation, promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-geneva/press/news/details/1117133?lang=kk