Corruption Unveiled in Kazakhstan's Digital Landscape: Questionable Car Dealings and Blogger Involvement

In a recent turn of events, Kazakh bloggers Yerbolat Zhanaibayev and Elmira Tolegenova find themselves at the centre of a significant scandal. The duo, known for their popular social media presence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, have been accused of questionable practices in a giveaway that has sparked public outrage and governmental attention.

The giveaway, initially innocent in appearance, promised a car as a prize to participants. However, it has been alleged that the terms of the giveaway were retroactively changed on August 21 without prior notification to the audience. This move, if proven, could be considered fraud under the Criminal Code.

To participate, followers were required to repost and follow certain accounts, a common practice in many social media contests. However, the giveaway's association with infocourses has raised eyebrows, as it could potentially be seen as a lottery with promotional campaign elements. According to journalist Nazymkul Kumyspaeva, this setup might require registration and transparent conditions, as stipulated by Kazakh law.

Questions have been posed to the Agency for Financial Monitoring of the Republic of Kazakhstan (AFM) regarding the legality of combining the sale of infocourses with a car giveaway, whether this isn't an unregistered lottery, if bloggers pay taxes on the funds they receive, and if it's legitimate to present the prize mechanism as "free" when participation requires payment.

The lack of information about the course content, purpose, and values could be seen as misleading consumers, another concern raised by Kumyspaeva. If the scheme is deemed illegal, refunds to participants may be required, and tax-related penalties could also be imposed.

The live broadcast and announcement of winners were supposed to happen but did not, leading to suspicion and concern. This delay, coupled with the retroactive term changes, has fuelled speculation that the giveaway may have been manipulated to favour certain individuals.

The scandal has become one of the most significant this year in Kazakhstan, with many subscribers unsubscribing from the influencers involved and reposts being deleted. Public apologies are being demanded, and there's a potential for significant reputational loss due to social media posts from deceived subscribers.

Criminal proceedings could be initiated for serious violations, and the Committee's investigation could lead to fines for conducting illegal lotteries. The giveaway is currently under investigation due to possible violations and manipulation of trust.

This scandal serves as a reminder for influencers and brands alike to uphold transparency and honesty in their interactions with their followers. It also underscores the importance of adhering to legal guidelines to maintain trust and avoid potential legal repercussions.

Corruption Unveiled in Kazakhstan's Digital Landscape: Questionable Car Dealings and Blogger Involvement