ALMATY, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan has enacted amendments to its criminal code to explicitly outlaw "money mule" scams and impose tougher penalties on forced marriage, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said Tuesday.

The legislation defines money mule activity as illegal provision, transfer or acquisition of access to a bank account, payment instrument or identification tool, as well as unauthorized financial transactions.

Providing access to one's bank account for criminal purposes is punishable by up to three years in prison. Unauthorized transfers of funds to third parties carry a sentence of up to five years, while organizing or facilitating access to bank accounts for illicit use may result in up to seven years of imprisonment.

First-time offenders who voluntarily report their crimes and assist investigations may avoid prosecution if no other offenses are involved.

The amendments also target social issues, including forced marriage which is now punishable by fines, corrective labor or up to two years in prison. Harsher penalties of three to seven years apply if the offense involves violence, minors, group coercion or abuse of authority, and the punishment can rise to five to 10 years in cases with severe consequences.

Officials said the changes are aimed at enhancing legal protections and strengthening the rule of law in the country. ■