A well-known blogger’s biometric data has reportedly been stolen, and bad actors are allegedly using that person’s voice to demand money from Russian acquaintances. A Telegram channel has claimed these extortion tactics are tied to the persona behind the widely discussed work Marathon of Desires.
According to the blogger’s legal representatives, the scam involves calls to the author’s friends and relatives, with the scammers posing as the blogger and asking for financial help. In one troubling instance, they even reached out to the blogger’s father, who dismissed the messages as a prank or fraud and did not believe the fake requests.
The judicial system has become entangled in the case, with a court in Moscow previously extending the blogger’s home detention amid complex tax-related allegations. The order was contingent on the blogger addressing a substantial tax debt, and the duration of the extension reached into early 2024 as authorities sought to resolve the financial dispute through the courts.
Subsequently, a formal ruling shifted the blogger’s status within the legal process. The court moved from home confinement to a pre-trial detention arrangement, citing concerns that the individual had violated the conditions of house arrest. Reports indicate that the blogger hosted a private gathering that included numerous attendees, among them a crucial witness who had been prohibited from direct contact with the blogger as part of ongoing proceedings.
Investigators have described the case as involving several potential violations of financial law, including the alleged improper handling and distribution of payment instruments. If convicted on these charges, the blogger could face a lengthy prison term, with the possibility of substantial penalties under national criminal statutes relevant to payment handling and related offenses.
Media discussions surrounding the case have also touched on broader questions about the role of cultural awards and recognition in public life. Observers note that honors within the culture sector can carry significant influence, and debates continue about how those awards interact with legal accountability and public trust. The case underscores the challenges that public figures may face when legal scrutiny intersects with media attention and online threats.
As the story unfolds, questions persist about the responsibilities of digital platforms, the protection of personal data, and the enforcement of laws designed to curb financial crime. The incident highlights the real risk of biometric data compromise and the serious consequences that can follow when online fraud intersects with high-profile figures and cultural narratives.
While authorities pursue their investigation, supporters and critics alike are weighing the implications for online security, personal privacy, and the safeguards needed to prevent impersonation-based extortion. The outcome of this case could influence how similar threats are treated in the future and may prompt calls for clearer guidelines around the use of voice likenesses and biometric identifiers in media and publishing.
In the meantime, audiences are reminded to exercise caution when receiving requests for money that come with unfamiliar or unexpected demands. Verifying the identity of the caller, consulting trusted contacts, and following official legal channels remain essential steps in disrupting extortion attempts and protecting personal and financial information.