Kazakhstan's Law and Order reforms cut crime sharply

Kazakhstan's bold legal reforms slash crime rates by 15% in a year

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting of the Interagency Commission on Crime Prevention under the government of Kazakhstan, Liter.kz reports. The session focused on reinforcing the principle of "Law and Order" to ensure the swift and effective implementation of the constitutional amendments adopted in last year's national referendum.

"At the end of last year, the Head of State signed the Law on Crime Prevention, expanding both the list of entities involved in crime prevention and the composition of the Interagency Commission. The Constitution, approved by nationwide referendum, enshrines Law and Order as a foundational principle aimed at strengthening the rule of law, ensuring public safety, and adopting a zero-tolerance approach to offenses. One of the key legislative innovations is the engagement of all government agencies, citizens, and local communities in crime prevention efforts. This is our shared responsibility," emphasized Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

The head of government noted that the commission's future work will focus on implementing and institutionalizing the constitutional principle of Law and Order.

Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov reported on the progress of the public safety concept—developed on the president's instructions—based on partnership with civil society. Comments were also provided by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development and Artificial Intelligence Zhaslan Madiyev, Finance Minister Madi Takiyev, as well as the governors (akims) of Zhambyl and Aktobe regions. The concept aims to consolidate the efforts of state bodies and civil society institutions in building a comprehensive crime prevention system, with early intervention, interagency cooperation, and security infrastructure development as its cornerstones. As part of the action plan, several measures have already been introduced:

Since March 2, 2026, the new Law on Crime Prevention has come into force.
To combat online fraud, biometric identification for mobile subscribers has been implemented, and Kazakhstan has signed the UN Convention on Cybercrime.
A Domestic Violence Prevention Plan and regulations for psychological counseling for offenders have been adopted. Last year, nearly 1,000 citizens underwent mandatory psychological correction programs.
Criminal liability has been introduced for stalking and forced marriage.
Recidivism prevention measures have been strengthened, including enhanced monitoring of previously convicted individuals through electronic bracelets.

According to the Interior Ministry, these legislative improvements and new prevention formats contributed to a 6% reduction in crime rates in Kazakhstan last year, with a further 9% decline recorded in the first quarter of the current year.

At the same time, Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov highlighted a number of issues requiring strengthened measures by the regional administrations (akimats) of Aktobe, Atyrau, Jambyl, West Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda, and Mangystau regions, as well as Abai Region. These include the construction and renovation of police stations, the installation of automated traffic violation detection systems, the development of communications infrastructure, and other initiatives.

The prime minister drew attention to unfulfilled tasks related to strengthening the material and technical base of law enforcement agencies in several regions. The regional administrations have been instructed to conduct a detailed analysis and ensure the full implementation of all planned measures this year.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva reported on efforts to improve legal awareness among citizens. Informational campaigns are being conducted to explain legislative norms, prevent offenses, combat fraud, and fight corruption.

The head of government noted positive progress in public legal education and instructed the Ministry of Culture and Information, together with relevant state agencies, to further develop these efforts—including through targeted outreach to key groups and the use of modern tools for public engagement.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev briefed the meeting on measures to protect citizens' personal data.

To counter cybercrime, Kazakhstan has increased fines in the field of information security—ranging from 100 to 1,000 monthly calculation indices (MCI)—and in the area of personal data protection—from 1,000 to 2,000 MCI. Biometric authentication has been introduced for operators handling restricted personal data. Additionally, new requirements have been implemented to block unauthorized traffic (fraud), mandate anti-fraud centers for telecom operators, and integrate them with the National Bank's anti-fraud system. Regulations on the import and registration of SIM cards have also been tightened, along with other measures.

"Cybercriminals often exploit digital technologies more swiftly than we do," the prime minister noted. "More effective measures are needed to combat online fraud. I instruct the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in coordination with relevant agencies, to submit additional proposals on mechanisms for blocking fraudulent transactions, as well as improving data sharing between government bodies and banks to identify fake call centers. We must also accelerate the rollout of the Digital Police Officer project, expand cyber-volunteering initiatives, and enhance personnel training."

The government has also been instructed to finalize, as a matter of urgency, the approval process for the draft law On the Ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime.

The meeting reviewed efforts by local executive authorities to reintegrate formerly convicted individuals into society. The prime minister issued a series of directives in this area ahead of an upcoming amnesty.

In addressing domestic violence, stronger preventive and interagency cooperation is required. The Ministry of Health has been tasked with expanding psychological intervention programs for individuals prone to violence and improving access to crisis center services. Local administrations (akimats) must enhance coordination among all relevant agencies, with the issue to be addressed at regional commission meetings.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized that a key priority for local authorities should be constructing police facilities, including through public-private partnerships. Ensuring safety in populated areas remains a core responsibility of local executive bodies.

Following the discussion, Bektenov directed the Ministry of Internal Affairs to strengthen coordination to effectively implement measures under the Public Security Concept.