Last year, a law on "Combating Human Trafficking" came into effect in Kazakhstan, which declared webcamming and "other sexual services" illegal. However, just six months ago, young women were almost openly offered "tempting" side jobs. A correspondent from Tengrinews.kz spoke with a resident of Astana who received such an offer.
Asem's Experience as a Model Involved Interacting with Foreigners
A year ago, Asem (name changed), a resident of Astana, received a job offer. A certain studio invited her to try her hand as an online streaming model. They immediately stated the salary would be between $100 and $400 per week.
"I got a message on Instagram and was invited to audition. For some reason, I immediately understood it was connected to webcamming. I was right - it was indeed an offer to work as a webcamming model. I became curious and started asking questions. It turned out they had established themselves quite well in Astana; they even had their own office. I even considered visiting them, but over time, I forgot about this correspondence," Asem shared in an interview with Tengrinews.kz.
After the Instagram exchange, the girl was contacted via WhatsApp, where they provided more detailed information. Here, her suspicions were confirmed: the studio was indeed offering work as a webcamming model.
Screenshot of the correspondence. Provided by Asem
Asem was given a detailed description of all her responsibilities and conditions. The job of an online model involved "interacting with foreigners on international dating sites".
"Communication takes place via webcam: you will be streamed live for 6 hours a day. Conversations are conducted in English. If you don't know the language, we will provide you with an online translator.
The model's responsibilities include: looking appropriate - with makeup, clean and well-groomed hair, in tidy and attractive clothing (for example, a t-shirt with mini-shorts, a nice sweater, or beautiful lingerie). The clothing should accentuate your figure.
Smiling throughout the broadcast, as a smile attracts viewers and can earn tips.
To dance - it doesn't have to be professional movements; a slow and graceful sway to the music is enough. Users appreciate naturalness and sincerity, so emotions and facial expressions should correspond to the actions," they explained in the correspondence.
During the conversation with the candidate, the so-called "curator" hinted that "in America and Europe, girls on such sites can undress and show body parts to increase their earnings and viewer count."
"Users enjoy this, and they leave good tips for it. However, in Asia, the mentality is stricter, so models may not undress, although their income will be lower in that case. Those who want to earn more come up with various shows and formats to keep the audience's attention. If you have a desire to earn more - that is encouraged," noted Asem's interlocutor.
Screenshot of the correspondence. Provided by Asem
In working with a "client," the girl was offered to choose her own style. According to the curator, the shoots and broadcasts take place from an upscale apartment.
"Each model has her own room during her shift, where she can lock the door and start working. Why an apartment? Because users should think that you are broadcasting from your home. For them, it is entertainment and a pleasant pastime, while for us, it is work that brings stable income," he explained.
Screenshot of the correspondence. Provided by Asem
Asem did not take the "job." The girl admitted that her curiosity alone prompted her to continue the conversation.
Body Massage and Webcamming Prostitution in Kazakhstan
In September 2024, amendments to the Criminal Code came into effect in Kazakhstan, introducing penalties for sexual services "in real-time via the internet." Body massage and webcamming prostitution became illegal and are classified as "other sexual services." Previously, they did not have legal status in the legislation.
Criminal liability now also applies to the promotion or advertising aimed at engaging individuals in such activities.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs informed the Tengrinews.kz correspondent that following the enforcement of these legislative norms, law enforcement agencies are conducting targeted operational and preventive measures to suppress instances of involving individuals in providing other sexual services and organizing brothels for such services and pimping.
Thanks to these measures, a major criminal enterprise involving young Kazakh women aged 18 to 25 has already been uncovered this year. They were engaged in webcamming under the guise of a modeling agency.
Dances with Elements of Erotica, "Nude" Photo Sessions, and Adult Goods Stores
At the same time, as reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the current legislation does not impose liability for performing dances with elements of erotica.
"Furthermore, issues regarding restrictions on conducting exhibitions, the operation of stores selling adult goods, organizing themed meetings, theatrical performances, films, or photo sessions with elements of "nude" are not regulated by the mentioned legislative changes and are not considered within the scope of their discussion. The accepted amendments are aimed solely at holding accountable those organizing activities that involve individuals in providing other sexual services through violence, threats, extortion, deception, or exploitation of dependency, as well as those spreading propaganda or advertising such services," reads the response to an official inquiry from the Tengrinews.kz editorial team.
Webcamming is an activity where individuals stream video in real-time. In the context of the recently enacted legislative changes, webcamming implies providing sexual services over the internet, where the model performs certain actions at the request of users in front of the camera.