Foreigner's Photo Used in Kazakhstani Child Support Evasion Accusation

A foreign national has found himself unwittingly at the center of a child support dispute in Kazakhstan after his photograph was used in social media posts to identify and shame a man accused of evasion.

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My photo, taken from my Instagram account, is being circulated in Kazakhstani public groups. Let me say right away: I have no connection to Kazakhstan and have never been there. My image was simply stolen and is being used for unclear purposes.

The posts, allegedly created by a woman using multiple accounts, accused her ex-husband, Askar, of leading a carefree lifestyle while neglecting his parental financial obligations. The author claimed to have posted his photo to expose him to acquaintances, stating he partied instead of providing for his children.

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Don't fall for this! Some scammers are at work, and it's unknown what they want. If possible, please spread this information. I really want to see those who steal others' photos and write nasty things under them punished.

However, the photograph used was not of Askar but belonged to Nikolay, a foreigner who discovered his image circulating on Kazakhstani public groups. "My photo, taken from my Instagram account, is being circulated in Kazakhstani public groups," Nikolay stated. "Let me say right away: I have no connection to Kazakhstan and have never been there. My image was simply stolen and is being used for unclear purposes."

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No reports regarding this fact have been filed with law enforcement agencies. In the event that a formal complaint is submitted, an investigation will be conducted in accordance with the procedure established by law, the results of which will provide a legal assessment of the actions of the individuals involved.

Nikolay expressed his desire for those who steal photos and spread malicious information to be punished. He believes his photo was taken from Instagram without his consent. The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kazakhstan reported that no official complaints have been filed regarding this incident. However, they cautioned that disseminating knowingly false information that disrupts public order or harms citizens' rights can result in administrative or criminal liability under Article 274 of the Criminal Code.

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The dissemination of knowingly false information that creates a threat of disturbing public order or causing significant harm to the rights and legitimate interests of citizens, organizations, society, or the state is subject to criminal liability under Article 274 of the