The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) issued an alert on the misleading use of its name by social media accounts that falsely present themselves as AFSA-authorised entities offering cryptocurrency exchange services. AFSA identified the Instagram account “p2pcrypto_exchange”, the Telegram channel “P2P CRYPTO ??????????????”, and the Telegram account “p2pcrypto_manager” as making false authorisation claims. It stated that no entity under those names, or similar names, is or has ever been registered in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) or licensed by AFSA, and noted the activities display characteristics of potential criminal offences under the Republic of Kazakhstan Criminal Code, including Fraud (Article 190) and Illegal Business Activity (Article 214). The authority urged users to check AFSA’s Public Register before using financial services and advised against entering into contracts or transferring funds to parties associated with the accounts.
Astana Financial Services Authority 2025-04-28
Astana Financial Services Authority warns of social media accounts falsely claiming AFSA authorisation for cryptocurrency exchange services
The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) issued an alert about social media accounts falsely claiming AFSA authorisation for cryptocurrency exchange services. Identified accounts include "p2pcrypto_exchange" on Instagram and "P2P CRYPTO" on Telegram, which are not registered or licensed by AFSA. These activities may constitute criminal offences under Kazakhstan's Criminal Code, and AFSA advises users to verify entities via its Public Register before engaging in financial transactions.