The Moscow Savelovsky Court has placed restrictions on a millionaire blogger identified as Lerchek, real name Valery Chekalina, restricting her access to the Internet. This development was reported by DEA News.
According to the judge, the court decided to grant the petition from the inspector and to impose a restraint in the form of a prohibition on certain actions. The ruling specifically bars the accused from communicating with witnesses and co-conspirators (except for close relatives), and forbids using mail, telephones, other means of communication, and the Internet. The publication notes that the defendant’s freedom of movement remains unchanged.
Chekalina regarded these limitations as excessive and argued for permission to maintain her blog, which serves as her main source of income. She contends that the blog is essential to her livelihood and income stream.
Earlier, blogger Valeria Chekalina and her husband Artem faced broad charges related to large-scale money laundering. Law enforcement alleges that, in April 2021, Artem and Valeria Chekalina laundered funds derived from criminal activity for their own benefit. The ongoing case concerns the appropriateness of the preventive measure and whether additional restrictions might be warranted.
The situation highlights the tension between internet-based income and legal proceedings, as well as the balancing act courts face in issuing measures that prevent interference with investigations while not unduly restricting personal and professional activities. Analysts note that the outcome could influence how similar cases are managed in the future, especially for individuals whose online platforms constitute a significant portion of their income and public profile.