A popular blogger has been detained in the Mangystau region on suspicion of fraud via social media. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
According to the regional police department, the case materials indicate that the suspect posted advertisements on social media offering various goods from China, including premium tableware and household appliances, at prices significantly below market.
«A popular account owner with more than 360,000 followers was involved in advertising the goods. According to the investigation, the posts provided potential buyers with information about the availability, quality and delivery options to Kazakhstan», the police said.
Citizens who saw the ads contacted the specified phone numbers and transferred payment for the goods to the account of an individual entrepreneur. However, the delivery obligations were not fulfilled.
According to the investigation, the funds received were spent on personal purposes. During the probe, victims who had transferred money for tableware and household appliances were identified.
A criminal case has been opened under Article 190 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan («Fraud»). The suspect was detained and placed in a temporary detention facility. Investigative measures are currently underway.