The ten foreign passports found during the search of the Cekalins’ mansion are reported to belong to their family members, according to statements shared on social media by Artem Chekalin, husband of blogger Valeria Chekalina (Lerchek).
Chekalin stated that he, his wife, and their three children each hold two international passports. He also explained the source of eight kilograms of gold bullion discovered at their home, saying it originated from a bank where their finances were frozen and where they received gold instead of dollars.
Referring to these revelations, the Chekalins told the newspaper Izvestia that their aim is to resolve the criminal case issues promptly. They indicated a willingness to address any fines or charges and to move forward once matters are settled, with Chekalin expressing hope that the situation would end soon.
On March 7, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation charged Valeria Chekalina with tax evasion, and her husband with complicity in the offense. The committee indicated that Chekalina operated under a simplified taxation system as an individual entrepreneur with stated income up to 150 million rubles, but that actual earnings were higher. The authorities assessed the financial damage to the state at more than 311 million rubles.
During a separate interview with Izvestia, the Chekalins underscored that they do not plan to leave Russia and that they maintain affection for the country along with support for the armed forces. It was noted that Artem Chekalin and Valeria Chekalina have continued to reside in Moscow and that plans to develop and build a home remain in place. They stated that they have carried on with construction despite broader upheavals and expressed a desire to contribute to the country’s growth.
Currently, the Cekalins are under house arrest. Lerchek has maintained a fitness blog since 2018, and by August 2021 the blog had nearly 10 million followers. Forbes estimated his annual income at approximately 600 thousand dollars. Telegram channel 112 reported that other family members, including Artem Chekalin’s brother and sister-in-law, as well as the bloggers’ partner, might be involved as accomplices in the alleged tax-related activities.
Official statements from the Investigative Committee indicate that to avoid transitioning to the general taxation system, VAT, and personal income tax, the blogger and certain relatives may have been registered as individual entrepreneurs, allowing money to flow through separate accounts. The authorities alleged that the лegal framework was used to divide business activities and minimize tax obligations by more than 300 million rubles.
Moments before the search and the initiation of the criminal case, Valeria Chekalina was active on social networks, noting a visit to the Federal Tax Service to obtain an electronic signature before leaving the country. She described the experience in a tone that suggested ease and efficiency at the agency, implying a sense of routine in official dealings.
In summarizing the situation, observers underscore the ongoing legal process as a pivotal moment for the family and for the broader narrative surrounding tax enforcement, media coverage, and the responsibilities of public figures within the Russian context. Attribution: Izvestia, UK statements, and official releases provide the focal points for the reported events.