The key facts

  • The prosecution asks to reject Artem Chekalin's appeal and uphold the verdict
  • Chekalin was sentenced to seven years in a penal colony for illegally transferring 251 million rubles to the UAE
  • Earlier, the prosecution asked to toughen the sentence for Lerchek herself, calling it excessively lenient

Prosecution Against Softening the Sentence

The prosecution asked the Moscow City Court to reject the appeals against the verdict for Artem Chekalin, the ex-husband of blogger Lerchek (Valeria Chekalina). This was reported by TASS. State prosecutor Svetlana Tarasova objected to the appeal and insists on upholding the verdict.

The Prosecution's Position

In the prosecution's view, Chekalin's punishment was imposed by the court of first instance in accordance with the requirements of criminal law, based on the degree of gravity of the offense. The state prosecution considers the verdict fair and proportionate.

The Essence of the Case

Chekalin was sentenced to seven years in a penal colony in a criminal case involving the illegal transfer of 251 million rubles to the UAE using forged documents. He was found guilty of committing illegal currency transactions. He is currently serving his term in the Butyrka pre-trial detention center.

Defense Motions

The court rejected the defense's requests for a suspended sentence. The defense argued that Chekalin is raising three minor children whose mother is seriously ill.

Lerchek's Case

Earlier, the prosecution asked to toughen the sentence for Lerchek herself, calling it excessively lenient.