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Tengrinews.kz – A leaked list allegedly revealing the undeclared earnings of several Kazakhstani bloggers has sparked heated discussions online. The document, which includes names and supposed financial figures, remains unverified. In response, Tengrinews reached out to the individuals listed and the State Revenue Committee to confirm its authenticity.
The image circulating on social media features well-known influencers alongside figures representing their alleged undisclosed income. While its accuracy is still unclear, social media users have been questioning whether these earnings are real, if they are justified, and how transparent the bloggers' businesses actually are.
Among the bloggers mentioned in the list is Orken Kenzhebek, who was allegedly reported to have an income of 215,378,864 tenge over a certain period. However, he expressed confusion over the number.
"I don’t know where this figure came from. We’ll investigate. I did receive a tax notice for this amount, but it needs to be verified. I don’t think I earned that much," he stated.
Another influencer on the list, Alexandra Osipova, was reported to have earned 91,142,270 tenge from 2022 to 2023.
"I saw this news and the list last night. These are my details in terms of my full name. I also received a tax notice via my eGov account," she confirmed.
Similarly, Galymzhan Kaliakbarov, who was listed with a supposed turnover of 201,277,517 tenge, expressed doubts.
"As far as I know, I’ll need to go to the State Revenue Department to sort this out. Even my registered business has never had such turnover," he said.
Public figure and blogger Rinat Balgabayev joined the conversation with sarcasm, calling himself 'the poorest among billionaire bloggers'. He even jokingly asked tax authorities to 'add a little more to the figure' since he believes the numbers are 'made up'.
He also pointed out a potential diversion tactic, suggesting that public attention was deliberately shifted from the upcoming VAT increase - which may lead to rising prices - to discussions about supposedly extravagant influencer incomes.
"Whoever came up with the idea of scaring bloggers with taxes is a genius—speaking as a PR specialist. Instead of discussing how VAT is going up and everything will get more expensive, people are happily debating the mythical billions of these so-called greedy bloggers. Serves you right," he wrote.
Balgabayev emphasized that he has been diligently paying taxes since 2015, transparently marking advertisements, and handling all transactions through legal business accounts. He also noted that a significant portion of his earnings has gone into producing documentary films without state funding.
"I don’t live a luxury lifestyle. I have no hidden savings, no vast real estate, no car - everything I saved went into filmmaking. The only thing I have is an honest name, which, I admit, irritates many people," he stated.
Expressing doubt over the tax authorities' calculations, he clarified that the listed sums do not indicate tax debts but rather alleged undeclared earnings for 2022-2023, which would be subject to a 3% tax payment.
"To those gloating and saying, 'Just pay up and move on,' I wish you luck. If we have to, we will pay again. But when they come for you (and they will, they have all your transaction records), there will be no one left to stand up for you," he warned.
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Balgabayev also shared a photo of himself wearing an outfit inspired by the Korean hit series 'Squid Game', drawing parallels between the situation and the show’s survival game concept. In Squid Game, contestants endure extreme challenges in the hopes of winning a massive cash prize, mirroring the pressure bloggers now face from both tax authorities and the public.
At this stage, it remains unclear who published the list and where the figures originated from. Some users speculated that the amounts reflect earnings for which the tax authorities are demanding compliance, but bloggers themselves question the accuracy of the calculations.
To clarify the situation, Tengrinews reached out to the State Revenue Committee for confirmation.
"We are looking into it," was the committee’s brief response.
If the document is verified as authentic, it raises serious concerns over data privacy, as financial information is considered confidential. Tengrinews has also sent an inquiry to the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding potential legal consequences for whoever leaked the information.
