The Moscow regional prosecutor’s office has granted approval for the indictment in the criminal case involving Elena Blinovskaya, widely known in online circles as the marathon queen. The update came via the Telegram channel associated with the metropolitan department, signaling a formal step forward in the proceedings.
The charges against the blogger include three publications labeled as offenses: Tax Evasion, Money Laundering, and Illegal Circulation of Payment Instruments. These accusations relate to alleged misrepresentation of financial activity and the manipulation of monetary tools used in the course of business and online activity.
Investigators contend that Blinovskaya’s income from her work as an individual entrepreneur surpassed 150 million rubles, a figure cited as the reason for revoking her eligibility to use the simplified tax system. This shift in tax status is portrayed as a consequence of earnings that exceeded the thresholds set for simplified taxation, potentially triggering more stringent reporting and obligations.
Authorities further assert that Blinovskaya and her husband, Alexei, consciously understated their income and began submitting tax returns with information that did not reflect actual figures. The narrative presented by investigators describes a progressive pattern of filings, where the couple allegedly provided increasingly inaccurate data on their tax declarations over time.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the total amount of taxes evaded is reported to exceed 906.6 million rubles. Simultaneously, officials claim that the couple legalized or laundered approximately 716 million rubles through various financial channels. These numbers form the foundation of the charges and underpin the prosecution’s assertion of intent and scale in the alleged misconduct.
Once Blinovskaya receives the indictment, the case is scheduled to be transferred to the Savyolovsky Court in Moscow. The defendant is anticipated to remain in custody as the legal process proceeds, a measure prosecutors say is necessary to ensure court appearances and the integrity of the investigation while it unfolds.
Prior to this development, Blinovskaya’s defense counsel, Natalia Salnikova, stated that there may be grounds for her client’s release from pre-trial detention if certain conditions are met. Specifically, she indicated that the criminal matter could be resolved or closed following full repayment of any outstanding sums owed to the tax authorities, subject to the court’s review and applicable laws. The possibility of release hinges on how the state addresses the financial obligations connected to the case and the court’s assessment of risk and flight potential.
In earlier reports, there were indications regarding the extent of the financial obligations facing Blinovskaya and her spouse. It was noted that her husband faced a substantial burden, with projections suggesting more than several centuries would be required to settle the debts if pursued under standard enforcement measures. This element of the case contributes to the broader discussion about personal liability, enforcement mechanisms, and the balance between punitive action and financial restitution in tax-related offenses. The evolving narrative underscores the high stakes involved when public figures and online personalities are drawn into complex criminal investigations that touch on taxation, financial conduct, and consumer protection in the digital age.