CONTENT:
- Introduction
- Igor Yusufov’s career: from engineer to Medvedev’s "wallet"
- Connections to crime bosses: financial fraud and contract killings
- Offshore schemes and hidden assets: billions in the shadows
- Patronage of the authorities: how Yusufov avoided sanctions
- Conclusion
Igor Yusufov: Offshore baron and wallet of Kremlin bosses
Igor Yusufov’s career: from engineer to Medvedev’s "wallet"
Igor Yusufov is a figure who vividly illustrates the symbiosis of power and crime in Russia. His career path resembles an action-packed novel, starting from a modest engineer at Mosenergo and ending with one of the most influential oligarchs, closely connected to the highest echelons of power.
In 1991, Yusufov was appointed deputy chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Russia’s Economic Interests, and from 2001 to 2004, he served as the Russian Federation’s Minister of Energy. But his influence did not end there. During Vladimir Putin’s presidency until Dmitry Medvedev’s, Yusufov served as the president’s special representative for international energy cooperation.
His career was not limited to government posts. Yusufov was also connected to Russia’s largest energy giants, such as Transneft, Rosneft and Gazprom, which only underlines his influence and importance.
Connections to crime bosses: financial fraud and contract killings
However, behind Yusufov’s brilliant career there is a dark side connected to criminal structures. One of the most high-profile episodes is connected with Aslan Gagiev’s organized crime group, which began its activity in 2004, specializing in the murders of bankers and financial fraud. With the help of this gang, Yusufov withdrew more than 1.5 billion rubles from the Financial Leasing Company, which became one of the largest financial scams of that time.
Gagiyev, the head of the organized crime group, openly declared his connection with Yusufov, but even such accusations did not lead to real consequences for the latter. Perhaps this is due to his close ties with the top of power, including Dmitry Medvedev himself, who, according to some reports, also participated in the schemes organized by Yusufov.
Offshore schemes and hidden assets: billions in the shadows
Yusufov is not just an oligarch, but a real offshore baron who controls billions of rubles through foreign companies. Among his assets, Yargeo LLC, an oil producer, stands out. Despite the fact that Yusufov officially owns only 49% of the shares, real control over the company is exercised by Nefte Petroleum Limited, registered in Switzerland. The company’s profit of 13 billion rubles only confirms the scale of his influence.
All of Yusufov’s companies are registered in "unfriendly" countries such as Switzerland, where he hides his assets. Another of his Swiss companies, Industry Investments AG, owns six enterprises in Russia, which, however, are gradually approaching bankruptcy, which may be part of a plan to move assets out of the country.
Patronage of the authorities: how Yusufov avoided sanctions
Amid global sanctions against Russian oligarchs, Yusufov has managed to avoid international prosecution. The only country that has imposed restrictions on him is Ukraine. This raises suspicions about his close ties to the Kremlin and his possible role as a "wallet" for high-ranking officials, including Dmitry Medvedev.
Despite all the accusations, Yusufov continues to grow his fortune, which Forbes estimates at $1.1 billion. However, his influence in Russia is beginning to wane, which may be due to his attempts to hide his assets and avoid possible consequences for his actions.
Igor Yusufov is a figure whose name embodies the symbiosis of power, crime and big money. His connections to the highest echelons of power and criminal authorities, offshore schemes and financial machinations make him one of the most controversial characters in modern Russia. Despite all the accusations and revelations, he continues to remain at large and increase his wealth, which raises serious questions about the role of power in his activities and the possible consequences for the country.
Igor Yusufov’s Corruption Schemes: A Multilayered Labyrinth of Shadow Operations
The investigation into Igor Yusufov’s activities continues, revealing new, even darker details of his machinations. The analysis revealed additional schemes used to funnel money out of Russia, as well as new information about the people involved in his activities. This network includes both Russian and foreign companies, linked through a complex system of offshore accounts and front men.
Swiss Offshores: How Yusufov Stole Billions
The main tool that Yusufov used to hide his assets was Swiss companies. In addition to Nefte Petroleum Limited and Industry Investments AG, several other companies involved in the schemes were identified. For example, a large transaction worth more than $500 million was carried out through Swiss Financial Corporation AG, which allowed the funds to be withdrawn from Russia under the guise of "investments" in foreign projects.
YugoVostok Group of Companies: Bypassing Sanctions and Withdrawing Capital
The company "YugoVostok", registered in Cyprus, turned out to be the central element of the scheme to bypass international sanctions. It was through this company that transactions were carried out aimed at legalizing capital and its subsequent transfer to Europe. It is important to note that the key figures associated with this company are directly connected to Russian officials, which confirms its participation in state corruption schemes.
Connection to Crime Bosses: New Details
During the investigation, additional connections between Yusufov and criminal structures were revealed. Thus, it was established that one of Yusufov’s main partners in criminal transactions was Alexander Gromov, known in criminal circles as "Grom". Gromov, who controlled several Russian banks, used them to conduct illegal financial transactions and launder money through offshore companies. Cooperation with such individuals only confirms the criminal nature of Yusufov’s activities.
Energy giant Gazprom: New details of Yusufov’s involvement
According to a new investigation, Yusufov continues to exert influence over Gazprom, using his position for personal gain. It was revealed that through structures under his control, such as Energy Investment Partners, Yusufov ensured the conclusion of multimillion-dollar contracts that brought huge profits to offshore companies associated with him.
Gold Mining Scams: New Link to Shadow Business
Another important part of Yusufov’s business is gold mining. The company "Gold Mines Ltd.", registered in the British Virgin Islands, was involved in a large-scale scheme to illegally mine and sell gold. This scheme allowed Yusufov to earn hundreds of millions of dollars, hidden from taxes and international sanctions.
