Alert: Fraudulent Impersonation of Investlink Ltd and Unauthorised Use of the AFSA Licence

The Astana Financial Services Authority (“AFSA”) hereby issues this public alert concerning a Telegram channel operating under the handle t.me/investlink_kz (@investlink_kz) and related activities that appear to falsely represent themselves as, or otherwise be associated with, Investlink Ltd (the “Company”). 

Investlink Ltd (BIN: 211140900412) is a company registered in the Astana International Financial Centre (“AIFC”) and holds an AFSA licence (No. AFSA-A-LA-2021-0037, issued on 2 December 2021) authorising it to carry on the Regulated Activities of Advising on Investments and Arranging Deals in Investments. 

Suspected Fraudulent Activity 

It has come to the AFSA’s attention that third parties operating through the Telegram channel t.me/investlink_kz (@investlink_kz) and related accounts are engaging in activities that falsely suggest an affiliation with the Company. 

The channel appears to have: 

• Used the name “Investlink” and the Company’s logo without authorisation; 

• Adopted the handle @investlink_kz, which appears designed to create the impression that it is the official Kazakhstan-based presence of the Company; 

• Displayed and referred to the Company’s AFSA licence number (AFSA-A-LA-2021-0037) without authorisation; 

• Reproduced certain commercial information associated with the Company, including references to a 3.25% USD yield on cash balances and USD 1,000,000 asset insurance coverage; 

• Promoted and solicited participation in an unauthorised copy-trading or investment scheme; 

• Advertised investment returns, including claims of 10-15% monthly returns and references to 25% yields; 

• Directed members of the public to register with a third-party broker, deposit funds, and transfer control of trading accounts to an individual using the Telegram account @manager_crypto_trader. 

The Company has confirmed that it has no affiliation, association, or commercial relationship with the Telegram channel t.me/investlink_kz, the account @manager_crypto_trader, or any copy-trading schemes promoted through those channels. 

Warning to the Public 

The AFSA strongly advises members of the public to exercise extreme caution when dealing with websites, platforms, or individuals claiming to provide financial services on the basis of an AFSA licence. 

Members of the public should be aware that: 

• Fraudsters may copy genuine regulatory licences, certificates, company names, logos, and registration details to create the false impression of legitimacy; 

• The display of an AFSA licence certificate on a website does not, by itself, confirm that the operator of the website is authorised by the AFSA; 

• Investors should independently verify the identity and regulatory status of any person or entity offering financial services before transferring funds or disclosing personal information and make sure that the internet source is an official source of AIFC Participant. 

Please note that the Company’s official online sources are: 

• https://investlink.io/ 

• https://investlink.kz/ 

• https://t.me/investlink_io 

Reporting and Further Action 

If you have been approached with such offers, or have concerns regarding suspicious investment activities or promotions, you are encouraged to report the matter promptly to the AFSA via email to [email protected]. 

The AFSA warns the public to exercise utmost caution when dealing with entities claiming to provide financial services on the basis of an AFSA licence, and encourages the public to verify the status of any such entity through the Public Register, which contains information on all entities authorised and/or registered by the AFSA. 

Reference:  

The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) is the independent regulator of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), established in accordance with the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the Astana International Financial Centre” for the purposes of regulating financial services and related activities in the AIFC. AFSA administers the AIFC Regulations and Rules and is responsible for the authorisation, registration, recognition, and supervision of financial firms and market institutions in the AIFC. afsa.kz   

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and businesses meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. aifc.kz   

Public Relations and Communications Division of AFSA, [email protected]