Aktobe Times has published an article about the situation surrounding Alem Credit and reports submitted by victims to the Public Foundation “Financial Culture of Kazakhstan.”
The head of the foundation, Yuriy Lee, told the publication that nearly 600 reports from people across Kazakhstan have been processed to date.
“As of today, we have processed reports from nearly 600 people. They are from all across Kazakhstan. Many were prepared to take part in rallies and voice their concerns. We have done as much work as possible at this stage, but people continue to contact us. Most likely, by September there will be many more. We do not know how many such people there are in Kazakhstan in total, because there are people who simply keep paying.
They are afraid that their accounts will be frozen or that private bailiffs will come after them, so they simply comply with the demands,” says foundation head Yuriy Lee.
According to the foundation, in many cases the perpetrators attempt to pressure debtors’ relatives, involve acquaintances in conversations, create WhatsApp groups, and distribute information intended to force people to pay.
Yuriy Lee also described cases in which people who had only submitted their personal details but ultimately decided not to borrow any money were later presented with demands for payment. The foundation has also received reports of threats against large families and the distribution of photographs capable of provoking conflicts within families.
The article also describes a case in which a person borrowed 40,000 tenge but later paid 120,000 tenge in order to obtain a payment deferral and stop the pressure.
“The main argument for not paying is this: you are not repaying a debt. You are simply giving this money to fraudsters. And we are not trying to persuade anyone. Those who share our view are welcome to follow it. Those who do not can go ahead and pay if they believe that is the right decision for them. Ultimately, hire lawyers and seek advice. We want people to improve their financial and legal literacy. They are already in this situation, so at the very least they should listen to an outside opinion.
Because many people simply do not understand what is happening.”
According to Yuriy Lee, the foundation has also documented cases in which money intended to repay so-called loans was transferred outside Kazakhstan, including to Georgia and Tajikistan.
Despite the numerous reports, the issue of advertising persists. According to Yuriy Lee, the websites constantly change their domain names, while advertisements continue to appear on various platforms.
According to the foundation, Alem Credit is being investigated by the Department of Economic Investigations in Almaty and the prosecutor’s office. A criminal case has been initiated.
Source: Aktobe Times
