The case surrounding Valeria Chekalina, widely known by the online moniker Lerchek, centers on substantial tax obligations and ongoing legal scrutiny. The latest public disclosures show a cumulative tax debt that surpasses 296 million rubles to the Federal Tax Service, a figure that has drawn attention from various media and social channels. This figure totals 296,349,479 rubles, reflecting a substantial liability that has become a focal point of discussion in both official and informal reporting networks. (Source: Mash Telegram channel reported through multiple outlets.)
In the late summer period, new information emerged about criminal activity allegations connected to Lerchek. Specifically, authorities are reviewing allegations of large-scale money laundering related to a transfer of funds abroad, with a figure around 130 million rubles cited by the Mash Telegram channel. The case was escalated to the attention of the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, signaling that the matter could move into federal consideration due to the perceived impact on the national economic system. (Attribution: Mash Telegram channel.)
Earlier reports indicate that in March Lerchek faced formal charges as a defendant in a tax evasion case involving about 311 million rubles. The investigation also names her husband as someone allegedly aiding and abetting the evasion. At the same time, the blogger’s legal counsel has stated that the full tax liability was settled on May 3, suggesting a resolution from their perspective. (Source: public records and statements from involved parties cited in contemporary reporting.)
The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, in July, requested a strengthened preventive measure for Chekalina and her husband, proposing house arrest. Court-ordered restrictions reportedly included the prohibition on internet use and limiting overnight stays away from home since March 16, among other conditions. These measures reflect a broader pattern of surveillance and control measures applied in complex financial cases that involve high-profile individuals in the public eye. (Documentation cited by investigators and corroborated by multiple outlets.)
In related sector news, it was previously reported that Arkady Ukupnik’s accounts faced freezing due to outstanding debts. This reference helps illustrate that debt-related enforcement actions and asset freezes are not isolated incidents and can intersect with high-profile cases, shaping public narratives about financial accountability and the reach of tax and investigative authorities. (Background reporting summarized for context.)