Why was a well-known blogger targeted by a criminal case?
The Investigative Committee of Russia opened a criminal case against a prominent Russian blogger, Alexandra Mitroshina.
Mitroshina is suspected of large-scale tax evasion. A criminal case was initiated under Part 2 of Article 198 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (individual tax evasion).
According to investigators, Mitroshina held the status of an individual entrepreneur from October 2020 to May 2022 and used a simplified taxation system. During that period, income from selling training courses significantly exceeded the limits allowed for individual entrepreneurs.
Reports from authorities suggest that Mitroshina chose not to switch to a general taxation regime, which would require value-added tax and personal income tax payments. Instead, several affiliated and controlled individual entrepreneurs were used to move funds from her current account. Police and tax investigators believe this approach led to taxes totaling over 120 million rubles being paid in this manner.
During the investigation, officers from the Moscow Investigative Committee, in collaboration with tax enforcement and internal affairs units, conducted searches at Mitroshina’s registration sites and possibly at associated individuals. The Ministry issued a statement noting ongoing inquiries related to the case.
Mitroshina has not commented publicly on the criminal proceedings and has remained quiet on her social networks.
Who is Sasha Mitroshina?
At 28 years old, Alexandra Mitroshina’s Instagram page has amassed a substantial following, with more than 4.2 million subscribers. A graduate of Moscow State University, where she studied journalism, and later the Higher School of Economics with a degree in media communication, she has maintained an Instagram blog since 2013. Her posts commonly cover sports, feminism, and travel.
From early on, Mitroshina has offered training courses on effective blogging and online business growth. Her VKontakte profile describes her as a pioneer in Russian information commerce and blogging, sharing tips on monetizing social networks and building a robust online business system that still allows time for personal life.
When her Instagram audience reached around 2.5 million in 2021, analysts estimated that sponsored content could command fees approaching a million rubles per collaboration.
Mitroshina later relocated from Moscow to Dubai amid geopolitical developments. She has spoken critically about recent military events, expressing a belief in the importance of speaking one’s mind and standing by personal principles. In June 2022, she faced allegations from the tax service regarding a substantial tax bill. She denied wrongdoing, maintaining that her operations complied with the law and that she would address any debts that arose. She advised fellow bloggers to keep thorough documentation and consult tax professionals to avoid unnecessary scrutiny.
Legal actions involving bloggers
Mitroshina is not alone in facing tax-related legal scrutiny. In March, investigators searched the residence of Valeria Chekalina, known by the pseudonym Lerchek, and her husband Artem. They were also linked to allegations of large-scale tax evasion, reported to total around 300 million rubles.
Officials stated that Chekalina and her relatives separated business activities across multiple entities to avoid shifting from individual entrepreneurship to a general tax regime. Proceeds from fitness marathons and weight loss programs were allegedly funneled to other entrepreneurs, even though the services were provided by Chekalina herself.
During searches at the Chekalins’ estate in a Krasnogorsk cottage community, investigators recovered several kilograms of gold bullion, jewelry, substantial cash, and luxury vehicles. Forbes had previously noted Lerchek as one of Russia’s wealthier bloggers, estimating the income at around 700 million rubles.
The court placed the Chekalins under house arrest. In mid-March, authorities opened a second criminal case, focusing on possible large-scale money laundering. Assets valued at approximately 311 million rubles, including real estate, vehicles, and personal company accounts, were seized. Reports indicated the family faced internet restrictions, though some sources noted outside help in managing social media presence.