Kyzylorda Schoolgirl Sex Slavery Case: Clients Face Separate Criminal Proceedings

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Sanzhar Adilov has provided details on the investigation into the case of a schoolgirl held in sexual slavery in Kyzylorda.

During a briefing at the Mazhilis, Adilov was asked about the punishment for the clients of the underage girl who was forced to provide sexual services.

"The investigation concerning the victim of violence, as you know, has been completed under several articles. The guilty parties have been convicted. I am not authorized to comment on the court's decision. Regarding those individuals who had sexual relations (with the victim), the case materials have been separated into independent proceedings. Investigative actions are being carried out. It is necessary to conduct not only interrogations but also other investigative actions, so work in this part continues," stated Sanzhar Adilov.

He added that the police remain in contact with the victim, who has the right to decide whether she wants specific names to be made public.

The deputy minister did not provide further information, citing Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which regulates the inadmissibility of disclosing pre-trial investigation data.

The Case of Sexual Slavery in Kyzylorda

In August 2024, information appeared on social networks that a 16-year-old girl had fallen into sexual slavery. Later, police reported that a criminal case had been registered on this fact and underage suspects had been detained.

In September 2024, the regional police department reported on registered criminal cases under several articles, including: "Involvement by a group of persons by prior conspiracy of a minor in prostitution," "Organization or maintenance of brothels for prostitution and pandering involving a minor in prostitution," "Inducement of a knowingly minor to consume narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues," and others.

By mid-September 2024, it became known that 13 individuals had been identified as involved in the case. On December 13th, one of them was sentenced in Kyzylorda region.

On December 24th, another verdict was issued in the case concerning holding a schoolgirl in sexual slavery. The court established that the defendant, knowing about the victim's minor age, used blackmail to repeatedly force her into prostitution. He was found guilty and sentenced to 6 years and 8 months imprisonment based on cumulative criminal offenses.

The court also noted at that time that two more cases concerning pandering and inducement to consume narcotic and psychotropic substances were pending before regional courts; in these cases, the minor is recognized as a victim.

On December 25th it became known that a woman was convicted for pandering involving a schoolgirl in prostitution. She was sentenced to four years imprisonment.

A group of minors also received punishment and were sentenced to various terms.

In November last year (2024), complaints from lawyers and relatives of those convicted were submitted to court requesting mitigation of punishment and replacement of imprisonment with restriction. The consideration took place behind closed doors. The complaints were rejected, leaving sentences unchanged.