On March 10, 2025, the Chertanovsky Court of Moscow placed blogger Alexandra Mitroshina under house arrest, rejecting the prosecution's request for her detention on money laundering charges. Judge Vasily Glukh noted the absence of compelling reasons for incarceration, leading to the court's decision to confine her to her home until April 24, 2025. During her house arrest, Mitroshina is prohibited from using the internet and any means of communication.
The case against Mitroshina, who was detained on March 7, 2025, stems from allegations of laundering over 127 million rubles as part of illegal financial activities. Authorities suspect she acquired these funds through tax evasion and utilized them for purchasing real estate within Moscow.
The prosecutor's office revealed to the court on March 10, 2025, the scale of Mitroshina's alleged tax evasion, claiming she hid income beyond the legal limit of 150 million rubles from 2020 to 2022. Instead of complying with the simplified tax system, Mitroshina reportedly transferred funds to accounts belonging to three individual entrepreneurs before laundering the money through shared participation agreements.
Despite serious accusations, Mitroshina's defense lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, argued against her detention, stating she had voluntarily returned to Russia from Dubai, believing all her tax issues were resolved. Mushailov emphasized her recognition of mistakes and her willingness to cooperate with the investigation, saying, “I really admit my mistakes; I'm not going to resist the investigation.” He mentioned there were no outstanding tax debts against her.
Details have emerged hinting at the complexity of Mitroshina's situation. Sources reported she had communicated with her lawyers shortly before returning, receiving reassurance about her legal standing. This unexpected return to Russia, especially after residing abroad, led to speculation about what might have prompted her actions. Observers noted, “She would hardly have returned if she had outstanding debts,” underlining her belief she was on solid legal ground.
Mitroshina's legal troubles came to light as early as March 2023, when tax evasion allegations led to investigations and searches linked to her residence. She previously announced settling significant debts to the Federal Tax Service, paying off the last 9 million rubles remaining from her total tax liability, which was then reported to be 127 million rubles.
Throughout this case, various parties have evaluated the merits of the prosecution’s claims and the potential consequences for the blogger. According to reports, she was not only accused of financial misconduct but was also said to be hiding from the authorities at one point. The Investigative Committee had previously placed her on the wanted list, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
On the day of her arrest, the court's deliberations revealed contrasting views between the prosecutor seeking stringent measures and her defense team advocating for leniency. The prosecutor highlighted the risk of Mitroshina disrupting the investigation if not held under stricter conditions, saying there were reasons to suspect she could escape or impede judicial processes. Nonetheless, the court found no substantial basis for the prosecution's more severe request.
Mitroshina has gained considerable public attention through her lifestyle blog, where she amassed 2.7 million followers. She has openly discussed her experiences and perspectives, which include her anti-war sentiments expressed back during tumultuous times. Despite her online fame, the newfound legal challenges have painted her public persona under stark scrutiny.
The situation took yet another twist with discussions around her financial advisor, Timur Koshkarov. He reportedly became involved with her finances starting late 2024 and was alleged to have urged her return to Russia, assuring her it was safe to do so. Koshkarov's involvement continued to complicate the narrative for Mitroshina, as he has drawn attention to himself due to overdue traffic fines within the country.
With her case currently under investigation, many are left to speculate about what the outcomes will be. Legal analysts have noted the possible ramifications Mitroshina faces under Russian criminal law, as money laundering convictions could lead to severe penalties, including up to seven years of imprisonment. The decision made on March 10 marks the beginning of what could be quite the protracted legal battle.
Mitroshina has promised cooperation with the legal proceedings, stating she does not intend to obstruct the investigation. Observers remain cautious yet hopeful about her potential fate, emphasizing the importance of legal fairness and transparency as the case continues to develop.