Blogger Valeria Chekalina, who writes under the pen name Lerchek, faced another tax obligation fight with the Federal Tax Service (FTS). Reports circulating on Telegram claim that this latest audit cycle uncovered significant liabilities tied to the blogger and the business activities around her brand. The discussions emphasize that Lerchek’s income disclosures had been incomplete or concealed in dealings with individuals connected to her activities, a key point auditors scrutinized during the review.
According to one Telegram channel, the audit revealed a debt near 250 million rubles. The source asserted that the discrepancy stemmed from income not reported to the tax authorities, particularly income generated through collaborations and sponsorships with partners who were financially tied to Lerchek. In the context of the broader tax compliance landscape, these kinds of findings illustrate how personal brands that operate across digital platforms may face complex accounting challenges when income streams span multiple legal entities and informal partnerships.
Another Telegram update from November claimed that Lerchek resolved a substantial portion of these liabilities by paying roughly 296 million rubles to the Federal Tax Service. The report noted that the Chekalin family managed to clear the accumulated debt after a restriction on Lerchek’s account was lifted on November 10. The publication also mentioned a prior payment of 311 million rubles in fines, suggesting a multi-stage settlement process rather than a single lump-sum resolution. This sequence highlights how enforcement actions can be suspended and reinstated as payments are made and new liabilities are identified during ongoing audits.
On December 21, the Telegram channel Secular Chronicle reported that Chekalina again owed about 4 million rubles to the Federal Tax Service. The update attributed the outstanding amount to outstanding property taxes that remained unpaid by December 1, and deductions connected with individual entrepreneurial income. Such ongoing liabilities illustrate the persistent nature of tax administration, where new debts can emerge even after major settlements when the tax system tracks late payments, penalties, and interest accruals across different tax categories.
On the same day, the blogger’s legal representative, Konstantin Tretyakov, indicated that Chekalina would likely bring all debts to a settlement soon. He described Lerchek’s remaining obligations as a “relatively small tail”—finances still outstanding after the principal debt had been addressed. This phrasing mirrors a common tax-language approach to describe residual liabilities that persist while the major balance is cleared through negotiated settlements or payment plans. Legal commentators emphasize that such tail liabilities can affect future compliance requirements and credit considerations for public figures who navigate multiple income streams across entertainment and media platforms.
In related coverage, a separate, previously reported matter noted that a court rejected a claim from Kirill Kirkorov concerning apartment-related taxes. This example underscores how tax issues for public figures often span several tax domains, including income taxes, property taxes, and asset-related levies. The evolving narrative around Lerchek’s tax posture serves as a case study in how online personalities, sponsorship deals, and personal branding intersect with formal tax obligations, enforcement actions, and settlement negotiations.
For readers in Canada and the United States assessing similar scenarios, the Lerchek case offers a practical reminder: transparent accounting for income streams derived from online influence is essential. Tax authorities typically scrutinize income reported through digital platforms, sponsorships, affiliate programs, and cross-border earnings to ensure accurate tax reporting and timely payments. Public profiles facing audits often navigate complex processes, including account holds, penalty assessments, payment plans, and legal counsel guidance. The ongoing developments demonstrate that even high-profile bloggers can face significant liabilities when income streams are not fully disclosed or properly documented. The balance between personal revenue, business deductions, and verified sources of income remains a central factor in determining a taxpayer’s obligations and remedies. At the same time, the evolving audit landscape shows that prompt settlements and clear documentation can mitigate penalties while reducing the risk of extended enforcement actions. Citations: Telegram channel reports and the Secular Chronicle provide ongoing updates on Lerchek’s debt status and settlement progress, while legal commentary highlights the implications of tail liabilities and cross-domain tax concerns. Attribution: Telegram channels and the referenced chronicle are cited as sources of reporting for this overview.