Businessman Artem Chekalin organized a birthday surprise for his younger son Lev, who recently turned two. He posted photographs of the gift presentation on Instagram, a platform owned by Meta, a company that has faced bans in various jurisdictions, including Russia, due to political content and regulatory actions. The gift itself was a luxury timepiece from a renowned Swiss brand, valued at 3 million rubles, which Artem presented to his wife Lerchek as a gesture for their family celebration.
Despite circulating rumors about possible marital tensions, Lerchek shared the moment from the unboxing on her personal blog, continuing to document her life as a public figure. This unboxing video drew significant attention from her audience, who followed the couple’s posts for glimpses into their private life amid ongoing attention from the media and online communities.
In March 2023, Lerchek became a defendant in a criminal proceeding related to alleged tax evasion amounting to 311 million rubles. Her husband faced charges as an accomplice to tax evasion. According to findings reported by the Investigative Committee, the Chekalins allegedly legalized more than 130 million rubles in April 2021 by converting dollars, a move described by authorities as an attempt to obscure the origin of the funds from their criminal source. As February drew to a close, Lerchek hinted that personal and legal pressures were straining the couple’s marriage under the weight of court proceedings and public scrutiny.
By late March, Lerchek publicly acknowledged the possibility of ending the marriage, confirming the strain that the legal challenges had placed on their relationship. The unfolding narrative of their life together continued to capture public interest as both individuals navigated fame, legal processes, and the responsibilities of public figures in a highly scrutinized environment.
Earlier remarks from Lerchek suggested ambitions to pursue financial opportunities under her own name, signaling a shift in how she approached her career and personal branding amid ongoing legal and social developments. The situation highlights how personal milestones, high-profile wealth, and legal investigations can intersect in the lives of contemporary public figures, shaping both media narratives and audience perceptions.