Kazakhstan: Public Figures Targeted in Deepfake Videos Promoting Russian Military Campaign

Kazakhstan has recently seen an increase in deepfake videos falsely featuring officials and public figures expressing support for the Russian military, Orda.kz reports.

These AI-generated videos depict public figures such as Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, the Akims of Qostanay and North Kazakhstan regions, journalist Gaziza Raimbek, and singer Alisher Karimov. Those falsely depicted in the deepfakes endorse participation in the conflict or justify Russian activities.

One video attributes a statement to Nurtleu, implying government approval of Russian military flights through Kazakhstan. Other videos include similar claims, suggesting it is “legal” for Kazakhstan's citizens to join military operations on the Russian side.

A fabricated video attributed to Alisher Karimov includes this message:

Orda.kz notes that such videos are frequently submitted to our reporting bot, though the sources remain unidentified.

Authorities have warned that involvement in foreign armed conflicts carries significant legal penalties in Kazakhstan, ranging from five to nine years under Article 172 of the Criminal Code, and potentially life imprisonment with property confiscation under Article 170 on mercenarism.

A similar wave of deepfakes emerged in May, involving false portrayals of Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, regional Akims, and journalists, including Orda’s editor-in-chief, Gulnar Bazhkenova.  

Those videos promoted participation in an “Immortal Regiment” event.

Amid these incidents, Kazakhstan is considering new legislation to criminalize the creation and distribution of deepfakes.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov