Yevgeny Prigozhin

Yevgeny Prigozhin: biography

Yevgeny Prigozhin is a Russian oligarch, businessman, entrepreneur and founder of Wagner group. Yevgeny is commonly referred to as "Putin's chef" due to his close association with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Childhood and youth

Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin was born on June 1, 1961, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Soviet Union.

It is known that Prigozhin grew up in a working-class family in Leningrad. He likely experienced the challenges and constraints that many families faced during the Soviet era. Prigozhin's early life was influenced by the political and social climate of the time, with the Soviet Union being under the rule of the Communist Party.

In 1977, he graduated from Sports Boarding School No. 62 (now College of Olympic Reserve No. 1). He participated in cross-country skiing, a sport he was introduced to by his stepfather, Samuil Friedmanovich Zharkoy, who was a ski coach.

On November 29, 1979, at the age of 18, Yevgeny Prigozhin received a two-year suspended sentence from the Kuibyshev Court in Leningrad under Articles 15 and 144, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RSFSR for "theft." Later, in 1981, at the age of 20, the Zhdanov Court in Leningrad sentenced him to 13 years of imprisonment for various offenses, including "theft," "robbery," "fraud," and "involvement of a minor in criminal activities."

According to RBK data from 2016, Yevgeny Prigozhin completed his studies at the Leningrad Chemical and Pharmaceutical Institute, specializing in "pharmacist." However, Prigozhin himself stated in a 2018 interview with the "Gorod 812" portal that he did not complete his education at that institute.

It is important to note that the provided information is based on available sources, and for the most accurate and up-to-date details about Yevgeny Prigozhin's background and history, referring to reliable sources is recommended.

Business career

Prigozhin's entrepreneurial journey began in the catering and food services industry. He started by opening a hot dog stand in the early 1990s, taking advantage of the economic reforms and opportunities that arose after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. His business expanded rapidly, and he soon founded the Concord Catering company, which became one of the leading catering companies in Russia. His company, Concord Catering, expanded its services to include providing meals for military units, educational institutions, and other organizations. This connection between his catering business and the military likely allowed him to maintain some ties to the defense industry.

In addition to his catering business, Prigozhin established other ventures related to the military. He founded a company called Evro Polis, which has been involved in military contracting and logistics. Evro Polis has reportedly provided support services to the Russian military, including supplying food and fuel to troops stationed in conflict zones such as Syria.

Over the years, Prigozhin diversified his business interests, including ventures in military contracting, media, and politics. His close association with President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government has been well-documented, earning him the nickname "Putin's chef."

Wagner group

Prigozhin's military-related activities also extended to his association with the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company (PMC). The Wagner Group has been linked to covert military operations and has allegedly deployed mercenaries to various conflict zones, including Ukraine and Syria. While Prigozhin himself has not publicly acknowledged direct involvement with the Wagner Group, there have been reports suggesting his connections to the PMC through his business network.

Yevgeny Prigozhin's connection to the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company (PMC), has been the subject of speculation and media reports. While Prigozhin himself has not publicly acknowledged direct involvement with the Wagner Group, there have been allegations suggesting his association with the PMC through his business network.

The Wagner Group gained attention for its involvement in various conflict zones, including Ukraine and Syria. It is believed to have provided military support, training, and mercenaries to advance Russian interests in these regions. The group has been accused of participating in covert operations and engaging in activities that align with Russian foreign policy objectives.

Prigozhin and his Wagner PMC played a prominent role in Russia's war with Ukraine. In 2022, Prigozhin personally visited Russian prisons with the aim of recruiting inmates into the Wagner PMC for participation in the war. In May 2023, Prigozhin announced the capture of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut by his mercenaries—an operation that resulted in many casualties and was considered a significant symbolic achievement for Russia.

Personal life

Yevgeny Prigozhin is married to Lyubov Valentinovna Prigozhina, who is a pharmacist and businesswoman. Lyubov owns a network of boutique stores called the Chocolate Museum located in Saint Petersburg. Additionally, in 2012, she established the Crystal Spa & Lounge, a highly regarded day spa situated on Zhukovsky Street in Saint Petersburg. The spa received recognition for its excellence, earning a third-place award in 2013 for being a Perfect Urban Day Spa.

Lyubov also owns a wellness center in the Leningrad region and is the proprietor of the Crystal Spa & Residence, a boutique hotel that received the Perfect Spa Project award in 2013. Furthermore, she is the owner of New Technologies SPA LLC in Saint Petersburg.

The couple has been blessed with two daughters named Polina, born in 1992, and Veronika, born in 2005. They also have a son named Pavel, whose birth year is either 1996 or 1998.

Criminal charges

Yevgeny Prigozhin has faced criminal charges primarily in relation to his alleged involvement in the activities of the Internet Research Agency (IRA), a Russian troll farm accused of engaging in online influence operations during the 2016 United States presidential election. However, it's important to note that Prigozhin himself has not personally faced legal consequences in the United States, as he has not been arrested or extradited to face trial.

In February 2018, the United States Department of Justice indicted Prigozhin, along with several other individuals and entities, for their alleged roles in the IRA's activities. The indictment accused Prigozhin of funding the IRA's operations and coordinating their efforts to interfere with the U.S. political system, including spreading disinformation and conducting social media campaigns to influence public opinion.

The charges against Prigozhin include conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. However, due to the jurisdictional challenges and the complex nature of international legal proceedings, it is unlikely that Prigozhin will face trial in the United States unless he voluntarily chooses to appear.

It's worth noting that Prigozhin has denied any wrongdoing and has dismissed the accusations against him as politically motivated. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there have been no reported convictions or sentences related to the specific criminal charges against Yevgeny Prigozhin in the United States.

Armed revolt

On June 23, 2023, he announced a strike by Russian forces against Wagner PMC fighters and called for a rebellion, referring to it as the "March of Justice." On the morning of June 24, 2023, Wagner PMC mercenaries took control of military facilities and the center of Rostov-on-Don, with plans to march towards Moscow. In the evening of June 24, 2023, Prigozhin held negotiations with Lukashenko, during which an agreement on de-escalation was reached.

Awards

In 2022, Yevgeny Prigozhin received contrasting recognitions. He was honored with the prestigious title of Hero of the Russian Federation, a notable accolade for his contributions or achievements. Additionally, he was also labeled the 2022 Corrupt Person of the Year by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, an organization that focuses on exposing corruption and criminal activities. These divergent acknowledgments showcase the conflicting perceptions surrounding Prigozhin's actions and reputation.