Court Delivers Verdict in Case of Influencers Yerbolat Zhanabylov and Elmira Tolegenova

The Interdistrict Criminal Court of Astana has issued a verdict regarding well-known influencers Yerbolat Zhanabylov and Elmira Tolegenova. The court upheld the sentencing recommendations provided by the prosecution following a structured legal agreement.

The court found Yerbolat Zhanabylov guilty and sentenced him to two years of restricted freedom (a suspended sentence). His spouse, Elmira Tolegenova, was also sentenced to two years of imprisonment; however, the execution of her sentence has been deferred for two years.

While the prosecutor initially sought a four-year prison term for both defendants, the charges were mitigated after the parties entered into a procedural agreement (plea bargain).

In determining the final sentence, the court took several key factors into account:

• The defendants fully reimbursed the material damages amounting to 247.6 million tenge.

• Both individuals formally pleaded guilty and expressed remorse for their actions.

• Due to the full repayment of damages, the civil lawsuits against the influencers were dismissed.

According to the investigation, the influencers generated substantial income through the sale of online courses. To attract participants, they promised high-value prizes, including automobiles and other luxury gifts. However, investigators revealed that the prize fund was not financed by the organizers' personal capital but was instead formed directly from the participation fees paid by the customers.