Stalked via social media and WhatsApp: police investigate new stalking cases in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz – Police in Pavlodar region are investigating four criminal cases of stalking — the illegal harassment and pursuit of citizens, which increasingly begins on social networks and grows into a real threat to safety.
What happened
One of the incidents took place in the city of Aksu. According to police, a man who barely knew the victim had for a long time been creating fake accounts on social media and spreading false information about a young woman.

“By creating various fake accounts on social networks, he spread false information about the girl, allegedly about intimate services she provides, and also issued threats from different phone numbers,” the press service of the Pavlodar Region Police Department reported.

A similar case was recorded in Pavlodar: a 29-year-old man, using social networks, was illegally stalking a woman.
In Ekibastuz, a man threatened his ex-wife with physical violence via WhatsApp. Another female resident of Ekibastuz also turned to the police for help. For six months, a previously acquainted man had been illegally harassing and pursuing her through a social network.
Criminal cases have been opened on the facts of stalking. All suspects have been identified and taken to police stations. An investigation is under way.

“Everyone must understand that this is not a joke, but a violation of personal boundaries and safety. No one has the right to violate citizens’ privacy and dignity. Harassment and bullying online can lead to administrative and criminal liability,” said Safuan Zhampeisov, Deputy Head of the Pavlodar Region Police Department.

Police added that criminal liability under this article arises when there is real harm — for example, psychological pressure, restriction of freedom of movement, or violation of the right to privacy.
Legal liability
Under Article 115-1 of the Code, stalking is punishable by a fine of up to 200 monthly calculation indices (865,000 tenge), community service for up to 200 hours, or arrest for up to 50 days.
What to do if you are being stalked
The Interior Ministry urges citizens to immediately call 102 or contact the police if they or their loved ones face stalking, systematic harassment, or surveillance.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reminded Kazakhstanis that citizens’ private life and safety are protected by law, and that stalking and repeated intrusive actions constitute a crime.
First stalking verdict handed down in Kazakhstan
It is worth noting that on 30 January in Petropavlovsk, a 37-year-old man who had stalked a woman for a year and a half, obsessively seeking her attention, was convicted and sentenced to 100 hours of community service.
The victim told police that the man followed her, persistently sought her attention, and got into conflicts with her and her circle. He had previously been held administratively and criminally liable for using obscene language towards the victim, causing her bodily harm, and attacking one of her acquaintances.