Authorities in Kazakhstan's Almaty Region have launched an investigation after a video surfaced online showing a woman holding an e-cigarette to a small child's mouth. The clip was posted on the EGOV.PRESS Telegram channel on October 16, and officials responded after public outrage, infohub.kz reports.
The Kaskelen district akimat commented on the recording, saying the woman seen in the video resembles M. Umbetova, a chief specialist in the office of the akim of Kaskelen, based on her appearance.
"On October 16, 2026, a video was published on the EGOV.PRESS Telegram channel showing an electronic cigarette being offered to a minor child. Based on her appearance, the woman in the video bears a resemblance to M. Umbetova, chief specialist in the office of the akim of Kaskelen. Measures are currently underway to establish all the circumstances. On October 19, 2026, an internal investigation will be launched, and based on its results, measures will be taken in accordance with the current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the agency said in a statement.
In parallel with the akimat's review, an NUR.KZ correspondent sent a request to police to clarify the circumstances of the incident.