The key facts
- Artyom Chekalin asked for a suspended sentence, explaining that he may become the sole guardian of three children due to LERCEK's illness
- He called the seven years in prison and the 194 million ruble fine excessive, stating he had compensated the damage and paid about 900 million rubles over three years
- The court upheld the verdict
Chekalin's final statement in court
Blogger Artyom Chekalin (Artyomchik) said in his final statement in court that his ex-wife Valeria Chekalina, known as LERCEK, is in serious condition. According to him, for the past month and a half the mother of his three children has barely gotten out of bed. He asked the court to impose a suspended sentence, explaining that he may soon be the only person caring for the children. “I have three children. Unfortunately, their mother feels very unwell. For the past month and a half she has practically stopped getting up. In the near future, I will probably become the sole guardian,” Chekalin said.
Objections to the sentence
Chekalin admitted that in the past he decided to optimize taxes and partially did not pay them, but stressed that he had fully compensated the damage caused to the budget, and over the last three years had additionally paid the state about 900 million rubles. He called the seven years of imprisonment and the fine of 194 million rubles excessively harsh, noting that he no longer has the funds to pay such an amount. “I know that I am not guilty, but I understand that given the great public resonance around me, no one will ever acquit me. Although there is not a single document proving that I am guilty,” the blogger said. He also disputed the prosecution's arguments about an allegedly forged offer agreement, saying that no one had ever explained to him what exactly was forged about the document.
Remorse and the outcome of the trial
In conclusion, Chekalin expressed remorse for what had happened, promised not to allow such violations again, and asked the court to take into account that he poses no danger to society. He hoped for a suspended sentence and a reduction of the fine to an amount he could pay. Despite the defense's arguments, the court upheld the verdict.
About LERCEK's illness
Valeria Chekalina has faced serious health problems: she is being treated for an oncological disease. In September, the blogger was hospitalized again due to severe back pain — a blockade performed earlier did not produce the expected result, after which doctors prescribed an MRI of her spine. Before that, she had repeatedly sought medical help for pain in her back and legs. According to Life.ru, LERCEK also showed on video the investigator who, according to her, did not let her see a doctor.
Context
Artyom and Valeria Chekalin were one of Russia's most famous blogger couples: they raised three children, developed a business and earned money selling online products. In 2024, the couple divorced, but they remain connected by their shared children and legal proceedings. Earlier, the Chekalins found themselves at the center of a high-profile tax scandal, and later a new criminal case related to financial transactions was opened against the former spouses. Valeria's condition became one of the main arguments of Artyom's defense.
