The Presnensky Court of Moscow has upheld the interim measures tied to a criminal investigation involving an alleged failure to transfer about 1 billion rubles into the accounts connected with Elena Blinovskaya, the author known for Marathon of Desire, and her husband. The move, reported by TASS, confirms that the court found it legally permissible to freeze assets within the framework of the ongoing case.
Specifically, the court order applies to funds held in several major banks, including Fora-Bank JSCB, Severgazbank JSC, MTS Bank PJSC, Russian Ziraat Bank JSC, and Alfa-Bank JSC. The aim of these measures is to secure potential restitution and ensure that assets remain available for the investigation and any future enforcement actions.
According to TASS, the court did not disclose the exact total of the seized amounts. Earlier statements from law enforcement indicated that hundreds of millions of rubles were held in six accounts opened by the spouses at large metropolitan banks. The investigation continues to determine the full scope of the alleged financial movements involved in the case.
In another development, Elena Blinovskaya reportedly paused selling her courses to avoid tightening the preventive measure. The Telegram channel Shot cited this step as a move intended to reduce pressure and the risk of additional restrictions while the case remains unresolved.
Earlier communications from Russian law enforcement indicated that inquiries into Blinovskaya’s property had a cross-border component, with authorities in the United Arab Emirates confirming the existence of certain assets tied to her name in that country. This aspect underscores the international dimension sometimes encountered in high-profile enforcement actions and asset tracing efforts.
The case illustrates how interim measures function within Russia’s criminal procedure system: judges may freeze assets to prevent dissipation of funds that could later serve as compensation or penalties if the investigation leads to a conviction. Such measures are designed to balance the rights of the accused with the needs of the investigation, particularly when significant sums are involved and when funds could be moved outside the country before a final ruling is issued.
Observers note that cases of this nature often involve multiple financial institutions and cross-border considerations, requiring careful coordination between domestic authorities and international partners. The ongoing review will likely hinge on the results of asset tracing, the breadth of bank records obtained, and any legal steps that may be taken to challenge or modify the freeze orders as the proceedings progress.
In summary, the Moscow court confirmed the legality of the temporary restrictions on the spouses’ bank accounts as part of the criminal inquiry into alleged tax-related omissions and related financial activities. The investigation continues, with the authorities pursuing a complete accounting of assets and their potential role in any eventual adjudication. Updates will depend on forthcoming evidence and judicial rulings as the case unfolds.