THE LEGALIZATION OF MONEY AND OTHER PROPERTY OBTAINED THROUGH CRIMINAL MEANS (Article 218 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan) INVESTIGATION ISSUES

This article explores the classification issues related to Article 218 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan, which concerns the legalization (laundering) of money and other assets obtained through criminal means. The study analyzes investigative and judicial practices, highlighting legal gaps and challenges in proving predicate offenses and intent. The author argues for treating investigations under Article 218 as a form of parallel financial investigation focused on identifying and recovering illicit assets. Practical examples are provided to demonstrate conflicts in the interpretation of property subject to laundering. International legal frameworks from the UK, US, France, Singapore, and Indonesia are reviewed. Recommendations are made to improve the national criminal legislation. The article is of interest to legal scholars, investigators, and practitioners dealing with anti-money laundering policy and asset recovery.

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