Government ramps up fight against online fraud and financial pyramid schemes

If a cybercrime occurs due to the fault of a bank or payment institution, the resulting damages will be the responsibility of that institution. A list of banks and payment organizations that fail to prevent cybercrimes will be made public. Individuals who provide fraudsters with access to their bank cards, SIM cards, or online accounts will be held legally accountable. A system for early detection of online “financial pyramid” schemes will also be introduced.

A presidential decree aimed at strengthening the fight against crimes committed using information technologies has been signed. Kun.uz has obtained the official commentary on the document.

According to the decree, the following legislative changes are expected:

A procedure will be introduced to recover material damages resulting from cybercrimes from banks, payment system operators, payment institutions, and other organizations that fail to comply with information security and cybersecurity requirements;
Administrative and criminal liability will be established for individuals who allow their personal bank cards, bank accounts, e-wallets, or personal data (including SIM cards and online accounts) to be used in the commission of cybercrimes.

To prevent cybercrimes:

The names of banks and payment institutions that allow cybercrimes due to system vulnerabilities or shortcomings will be publicly disclosed;
A system for the early detection of online fraud schemes aimed at attracting public funds (so-called “financial pyramids”) will be implemented.

To prevent theft of funds from bank cards:

Banks, payment system operators, and payment institutions will be required to implement modern anti-fraud and antivirus protection systems;
Technical measures will be taken to block fraudsters from calling citizens using spoofed (fake) phone numbers.

To strengthen cybercrime detection efforts, a rapid response team comprising representatives of the Central Bank, payment systems, and law enforcement agencies will be established. This team will take measures such as promptly identifying and blocking suspicious bank cards involved in dubious transactions. This will help prevent funds stolen through cybercrime from being transferred outside the country and facilitate their return to victims.

Additionally:

Prosecutorial oversight will be established to improve the quality and effectiveness of cybercrime investigations and enforcement of the law;
Scientific research in this field will be promoted;
International cooperation in cybersecurity will be expanded;
Training and professional development programs for personnel in the sector will be implemented.

An annual “Cyber Culture Awareness Month” will be held to promote cybersecurity awareness and public education efforts.

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