Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Yevgeniy Prigozhin is a Russian oligarch and businessman who is closely associated with President Vladimir Putin. He was born on February 01, 1961, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia, and is currently 60 years old.

Prigozhin began his career in the catering industry, where he established several successful businesses, including a network of lucrative restaurants and catering companies. He eventually diversified his interests and invested in a range of businesses, including construction, maintenance, and philanthropy.

Prigozhin’s relationship with Putin dates back to the late 1990s when he secured a contract to supply meals to the St. Petersburg city administration. Putin was the head of the administration at the time and became acquainted with Prigozhin through the contract. Since then, Prigozhin has become a key figure in Putin’s inner circle, and his companies have won billions of dollars in government contracts.

Prigozhin’s companies have also been accused of running a vast network of disinformation campaigns and propaganda operations targeting foreign countries, including the United States. The U.S. government has indicted Prigozhin on charges related to election interference and other illegal activities.

Despite the accusations and international sanctions imposed on him, Prigozhin has remained close to Putin and is widely believed to be one of the most influential figures in Russian politics and business. His estimated net worth is around $2 billion, making him one of the wealthiest men in Russia.

Yevgeniy Prigozhin has been involved in a variety of businesses, including military contracting, mining, and media. His relationship with Putin has been the key to his success, as he has secured numerous government contracts, and his companies have been involved in several projects for the Kremlin.

Prigozhin has also been accused of funding and supporting private military companies (PMCs) that operate in Ukraine, Syria, and elsewhere. These PMCs have been linked to Russian military operations abroad, and their involvement has led to international scrutiny and sanctions against Prigozhin and his businesses.

In addition to his business dealings, Prigozhin has also been involved in philanthropy and social outreach programs, particularly in St. Petersburg. He has established several organizations that provide food and shelter to the homeless and other vulnerable populations.

Despite the numerous allegations against him, Prigozhin has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has dismissed the accusations as part of a campaign to discredit him and Russia. He has not traveled outside of Russia since 2016, fearing arrest or extradition to the United States.

Prigozhin is often referred to as “Putin’s chef” due to his catering background and his close ties to the Russian president. However, his influence extends far beyond the kitchen, and he is considered to be one of the most powerful and controversial figures in Russian business and politics.

Yevgeniy Prigozhin has a colorful personal life with many details that are often highlighted in media reports about him. He has been married multiple times and has several children.

Prigozhin is known for his extravagant lifestyle, including his collection of luxury cars and his ownership of a yacht. He has also been reported to have a fondness for the arts and has funded several cultural events in Russia.

In recent years, Prigozhin has been accused of using his wealth and influence to further Russian interests abroad. His companies have been linked to several hacking and disinformation campaigns targeting foreign countries, including the United States.

In 2018, his infamous Internet Research Agency (IRA) was indicted by the US Department of Justice for interfering in the 2016 US presidential election. Prigozhin was also personally sanctioned by the US Treasury Department for his involvement in supporting Russian military operations in Ukraine and Syria.

Despite the controversy surrounding him, Prigozhin remains a powerful figure in Russia and is widely believed to have the support of the Kremlin. He has expressed his ambition to become one of the country’s most influential businessmen, and it remains to be seen how his relationship with Putin and his involvement in global affairs will evolve in the coming years.