Kazakhstan Cracks Down on Illegal Vape Trade & Youth Use

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Kazakhstan is ramping up its efforts to combat the illegal trade and use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) as offenses related to these products continue to rise, particularly among young people. According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, over 268 criminal offenses involving vapes have been registered since the beginning of 2025, with a significant portion concerning illicit trade and sales to minors under 18.

The country has established strict penalties for vape-related violations. The sale and distribution of vapes can lead to fines of up to 200 Monthly Calculation Index (MCI) units (approximately 738,400 tenge), community service, or arrest for up to 50 days. More severe penalties apply to the import and production of vapes, with fines reaching up to 2,000 MCI (around 7.3 million tenge), community service, or imprisonment for up to two years. If these crimes are committed by organized groups, involve exceptionally large profits, or are repeat offenses, fines can escalate to 5,000 MCI (18.4 million tenge), with potential imprisonment of up to five years.

The Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) reported that since the start of the year, 14 individuals have been convicted for the underground sale and production of smoking devices. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to strengthen control over this sector. Recent enforcement actions highlight the scale of the issue:

  • In Astana, a 20-year-old was caught illegally selling over 40 vapes through a hookah shop, taking orders via a Telegram channel and using couriers for delivery.
  • Also in Astana, a 29-year-old man was found to have been illegally selling vapes in a tobacco shop for several years, with 77 vapes seized. He reportedly ordered prohibited substances in bulk via Telegram, selling individual vapes for 9,000 to 17,000 tenge.
  • During a special operation (“OPM Darmek”), officers identified a 35-year-old citizen suspected of illegal vape distribution and shut down an online store. Over 160 vapes were found stored in a utility room, with the suspect admitting to continuing sales via social media and couriers even after the official ban, at prices ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 tenge per vape.

Alongside these criminal enforcement efforts, authorities are also tackling violations of public order rules related to vaping in public places like schools and parks, particularly in large cities such as Astana and Almaty, which have high concentrations of young people. To address the rising use among youth, Kazakhstan is organizing preventive information campaigns in educational institutions aimed at raising awareness about the negative health consequences of vaping.

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