A resident of Kazakhstan's capital fell victim to blackmail, handing over more than 17.6 million tenge to an extortionist who threatened to leak his personal data, reports infohub.kz.
According to the Astana prosecutor's office, the man stood trial for blackmailing the victim. He threatened to disseminate the victim's personal information and demanded money.
To intensify psychological pressure, the offender created a fake account in a messenger, posing as a law enforcement officer, and persuaded the victim to transfer money purportedly to "resolve the issue" of not disclosing the information.
Fearing the threats would be carried out, the victim transferred over 17.6 million tenge to the blackmailer.
In court, the state prosecutor presented all evidence of the defendant's guilt. The court sentenced the man to 7 years in prison for the dissemination of personal data.
The verdict has not yet entered into legal force.
The prosecutor's office urges citizens not to give in to blackmail and to immediately contact law enforcement authorities if threatened.