Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin (1 June 1961 – 23 August 2023) was a Russian oligarch and leader of the Wagner Group, a private military company supporting Russian interests in Ukraine, Syria, and Africa. Known as “Putin’s chef” for his Kremlin-linked catering businesses,
he also led propaganda efforts via the Internet Research Agency. Prigozhin criticized Russia’s Defense Ministry and launched a brief rebellion in June 2023, seizing Rostov-on-Don. On 23 August 2023, he died in a plane crash reportedly caused by an on-board bomb.
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Table of Contents
Tom Anderson Net Worth
At the time of his death, Yevgeny Prigozhin had a net worth of $1 billion. Since 2014, he led the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization that acted as Putin’s private army. Wagner was involved in conflicts in Libya, Syria, Mali, and the Central African Republic, supporting Russian-aligned forces.
Wagner operatives faced accusations of war crimes, including robbery, rape, and torture. In 2022, the group was linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with reports of assassination orders. Prigozhin admitted to founding Wagner in September 2022.
Early life
Yevgeny Prigozhin was born on June 1, 1961, in Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union. As a youth, he attended an athletics boarding school, excelling in cross-country skiing. However, his life took a criminal turn, leading to convictions for theft and fraud. In 1981, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison, serving nine years before his release.
Career
Following his 1990 release from prison, Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a lucrative chain of hot dog stands with his stepfather and later invested in the Contrast grocery franchise. Expanding into hospitality, he co-founded some of St. Petersburg’s first casinos and established Concord Management and Consulting in 1995, overseeing catering and restaurants.
With partner Kiril Ziminov, he opened the Old Customs House and later the floating restaurant New Island, hosting leaders like Vladimir Putin, Jacques Chirac, and George W. Bush. By 2003, Prigozhin founded independent restaurants and became known as “Putin’s chef.”
Personal life
Yevgeny Prigozhin was married to Lyubov Valentinovna, a pharmacist who owns the Chocolate Museum boutique network in St. Petersburg. She also operates Crystal Spa & Lounge, Crystal Spa & Residence, and New Technologies SPA.
The couple has a daughter, Polina, and resides in a luxurious compound in St. Petersburg with a helicopter pad and basketball court. Prigozhin also owned a private jet and a 115-foot yacht, reflecting the family’s affluent lifestyle.
What has happened to Yevgeny Prigozhin?
On August 23, 2023, an Embraer Legacy 600 private jet, reportedly carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin, exploded mid-air shortly after departing from an airport near Moscow. The plane crashed into a field, and all passengers onboard were confirmed dead. Prigozhin was 62 years old at the time.
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Conclusion
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s life story is a complex tapestry of business success, political intrigue, and controversial actions. His wealth, accumulated through various enterprises and connections with the Russian government, played a significant role in his rise to power. His sudden death adds a layer of mystery to his already complicated legacy.
FAQs about Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Net Worth
- What businesses did Prigozhin own? – Prigozhin owned various businesses including restaurants, catering services, and was linked to the Wagner Group.
- What was Prigozhin’s role in international politics? – He was implicated in political interference, notably in U.S. elections, through his Internet Research Agency.
- How did Prigozhin’s relationship with Putin influence his career? – His close ties with Putin provided him with lucrative government contracts and significant political leverage.
- What led to Prigozhin’s rebellion against the Russian government? – Dissatisfaction with military leadership and corruption within the government.
- What is the legacy of Yevgeny Prigozhin? – Prigozhin is remembered as a controversial figure whose actions had significant political and financial implications in Russia and internationally.
