In Kazakhstan, the Turkestan Region Prosecutor’s Office discovered a paid Telegram channel offering access to pornographic photos and videos, including content involving minors, Tengrinews.kz reports.
According to the prosecutor's office, users could subscribe to the banned content for 2,500 tenge. By the time law enforcement authorities took interest in the case, the channel had already gained over 8,000 subscribers from Kazakhstan and CIS countries.
“Special operations identified the website organizer and financial intermediaries who received payments for viewing, access, and subscriptions. On March 14, coordinated by the regional prosecutor's office, members of the criminal group were arrested by the Organized Crime Control Department in the Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions,” the statement said.
Authorities added that the Telegram channel organizer had previously been convicted of a serious crime and is now under arrest.
"A pre-trial investigation has been launched under Article 311 ('Illegal Distribution of Pornographic Materials or Items') and Part 1 of Article 312 of the Criminal Code ('Production and Distribution of Materials or Items with Pornographic Images of Minors, or Their Involvement in Pornographic Performances')," the prosecutor’s office explained.
Additionally, prosecutors have ordered an investigation into the 8,000 Telegram subscribers to determine whether their actions indicate pedophilic tendencies or if they have prior convictions for similar crimes.
“If evidence of criminal intent is confirmed, such individuals will be registered and monitored by the relevant authorities and law enforcement agencies,” the statement concluded.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 27, 2025