Social media swindler behind daily house and financial frauds faces punishment

In a recent court hearing held in Astana, blogger Elmira Tolegenova appeared to address charges of non-compliance with Kazakhstan's lottery legislation. The hearing was not related to criminal charges but focused on administrative affairs.

The hearing stemmed from an inspection conducted by the Committee on the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, which began on August 24, 2025. The inspection was initiated due to concerns regarding the compliance of Tolegenova's activities with lottery legislation.

During the hearing, Tolegenova presented her position in the case. The specific charges against her were not explicitly stated, but it is known that she was accused of conducting an illegal lottery. The drawing in question was carried out using "Wheel of Fortune" equipment, which involves an element of chance.

The participants of the lottery were required to pay 29,990 tenge for "educational courses" offered by LLP "Oilan Lab," which some believe was a front to conceal the lottery. The account owner admitted guilt and paid the fine in full, which was approximately 1.1 million tenge, equivalent to 300 monthly calculation indicators.

The prosecution presented their side, arguing that the courses offered by Tolegenova and her family were a front to conceal the lottery. However, the text does not mention any fine or punishment for Tolegenova at the time of the hearing.

It is important to note that this case is separate from a previous one involving the Ministry of Tourism and Sport's press service, which announced a daily drawing for a two-story house in Almaty, cash, and smartphones on September 19, 2025.

The case against Tolegenova was considered by the Specialist Interregional Court for Administrative Affairs in Astana on September 15, 2025. The other blogger investigated alongside Tolegenova in September 2025 for illegal gambling activities is named Alexei Makarov.

This incident serves as a reminder for individuals and organisations to ensure compliance with Kazakhstan's lottery legislation to avoid any potential legal repercussions.