NAIROBI, Kenya — A man identified online as Yaytseslav has sparked widespread outrage across several African countries after videos emerged showing him secretly recording private encounters with women and allegedly distributing the footage on social media.
Over the past 24 hours, his name has trended across TikTok, X, and YouTube after clips surfaced featuring women from Ghana.
Further scrutiny by online users indicates that similar content may involve women from Kenya, South Africa and other countries.
How he allegedly approached women
In several widely circulated clips, Yaytseslav is seen approaching women in public places, including shopping malls and on the streets, introducing himself before complimenting them and requesting their contact details.
“Hello, what’s your name? You look beautiful, I really like you. Can you please share your phone number?” he is heard saying in some of the videos.
While some women decline his advances, others appear to agree to continue the interaction.
According to the footage shared online, certain encounters later take place in private settings, where recordings allegedly continue.
Short clips are posted publicly on TikTok and YouTube, while longer versions are reportedly available on a private Telegram channel accessible through a paid monthly subscription of $5.
The authenticity of all the videos, and whether the women involved gave informed consent to be recorded and have the footage distributed, has not been independently verified. However, the growing backlash centres on allegations that some recordings were made or shared without consent, a potential criminal offence in multiple jurisdictions.
Speculation over use of smart glasses
As the controversy intensified, social media users began questioning how the recordings were made in public without detection. Some speculated that he may have used Ray-Ban smart glasses developed in partnership with Meta, devices commonly referred to as Meta Glasses.
The speculation followed images showing him wearing glasses resembling the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.
How the glasses work
Technology enthusiast Brian Oreng’ explained that the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses retail for up to KSh60,000 in Kenya, depending on the model and import costs.
He noted that some models feature a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera capable of capturing photos and high-resolution video while the wearer is in motion. The glasses also include built-in speakers and microphones.
“Some models offer up to 3K ultra HD resolution. They have a capture button for taking photos, a touchpad to control sound, and open-ear speakers. They also come with an integrated battery and require charging after a certain period of use,” he said.
Privacy advocates have previously raised concerns globally about wearable recording devices, warning that covert filming can violate data protection and privacy laws, especially where consent is not explicitly obtained.
Legal implications across Africa
Legal experts note that secretly recording and distributing intimate material without consent may constitute criminal offences under various cybercrime and data protection laws.
In Kenya, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and provisions under the Sexual Offences Act criminalise the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Also Read: Exposed without consent: The Marion Naipei scandal and Kenya’s crisis of digital morality
Ghana and South Africa also have legislation addressing privacy violations and cyber exploitation.
Authorities in the affected countries have not publicly confirmed whether investigations have been launched.
A similar case in Equatorial Guinea
The controversy comes months after another high-profile case involving Baltasar Ebang Engonga in Equatorial Guinea.
Engonga’s trial concluded in August 2025 following his arrest over a series of explicit recordings involving married women.
Several women told the court they had not consented to being filmed. He was sentenced to prison and fined approximately KSh28 million.
The case triggered broader debate across Africa about digital consent, online exploitation, and the responsibilities of social media platforms in moderating harmful content.
Wider debate on digital consent
The latest allegations have reignited calls for stronger enforcement of cybercrime laws and greater public awareness around digital privacy.
Digital rights organisations warn that the rise of discreet recording technology, combined with monetisation models on platforms such as Telegram, presents new regulatory challenges.
As the story continues to develop, the central issue remains clear: consent, transparency, and accountability in an increasingly connected world.
