The well-known blogger, accused of transferring huge sums abroad, was taken into custody right in the courtroom.
Artem Chekalin, the former husband of blogger Lerchek, who is currently bravely fighting cancer, has been sentenced to seven years in prison. This decision was made in a high-profile case involving the illegal transfer of 251 million rubles abroad. Chekalin was taken into custody right in the courtroom. In addition to the prison term, he is required to pay a substantial fine of 194 million rubles.
Chekalin, like his ex-wife, is accused of illegally transferring funds obtained from popular fitness marathons to accounts in the UAE. According to the investigation, forged documents were used for this purpose, and the main goal was tax evasion. The prosecution insisted on a harsher punishment, requesting seven and a half years in prison.
Chekalin partially admitted his guilt but categorically disagreed with the qualification of the case. He insists that the incident should be viewed as tax evasion rather than a violation of currency legislation. Before the verdict was announced, Artem shared with a heavy heart: "It was hard for me to go to court, leaving my three children with sick Lerchek and knowing that I might not return."
Lerchek's Health and Suspension of the Case
Valeria Chekalina, known as Lerchek, has faced a suspension of her case due to serious health problems. Recall that in March, her relatives reported the shocking news: the blogger was diagnosed with stage four cancer. This occurred shortly after the birth of her fourth child from her current boyfriend, Luis Squicciarini, with whom she grew close during her house arrest. According to Squicciarini, Lerchek has metastases in her brain, lungs, and spine, as well as partial loss of vision. She is currently undergoing an intensive course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which has led her to shave her head.
Lerchek and Luis Squicciarini
Mysterious Benefactor and Debts
Lerchek's representatives claim that investigators in her case hindered her access to qualified medical assistance, ignoring her complaints about her deteriorating health. At the same time, out of the blue, an anonymous benefactor emerged who fully paid off the blogger's tax debt of 175 million rubles. There is active discussion online about who could be behind this generous act: names like Roman Abramovich or some "mysterious patron" are mentioned.
Artem Chekalin and Lerchek with children
Lerchek and Luis Squicciarini with son
Photo: imlu, lerchek/Instagram
