Ukraine has placed Russian oligarchs Arkady and Igor Rotenberg, close allies of Vladimir Putin, on its Wanted list for financing activities aimed at forcibly altering Ukraine’s constitutional order, as well as for money laundering and tax evasion.
Wanted List : Arkady Rotenberg Added By Ukraine
According to the records in the Ministry of Internal Affairs search database, Arkady Rotenberg is wanted by the Department of Strategic Investigations of the National Police, while his son Igor Rotenberg is wanted by the National Police. Both are listed as having disappeared on 17.08.22. Arkady and Igor Rotenberg face accusations of:
- Financing actions aimed at forcibly changing or overthrowing the constitutional order or seizing state power, as well as altering the borders of Ukraine’s territory or state border;
- Legalization (laundering) of property obtained by criminal means;
- Evasion of taxes and mandatory payments.
Wanted List : Arkady Added By Ukraine
National Police Wanted List : Igor Rotenberg
The National Police is searching for Arkady Rotenberg’s son, Russian billionaire Igor Rotenberg, under the same articles:
- art. 110-2, part 4 (Financing of actions committed with the aim of violent change or overthrow of the constitutional order or seizure of state power, change of the boundaries of the territory or state border of Ukraine),
- art. 209(3) (Article 209. Legalisation (laundering) of the proceeds of crime committed by an organised group or on a particularly large scale)
- article 212(3) (Evasion of taxes, duties (mandatory payments) committed by a person previously convicted of tax evasion, duties (mandatory payments), or if they resulted in actual non-receipt of funds to budgets or state trust funds in particularly large amounts).
National Police Wanted List : Igor
Who is Arkady Rotenberg ?
Arkady Romanovich Rotenberg is a prominent Russian billionaire and close associate of President Vladimir Putin. Born on December 15, 1951, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Rotenberg has built a vast business empire, primarily in the construction and energy sectors. His journey to wealth and influence began with a background in sports, particularly judo, which he practiced alongside Putin during their younger years. This shared passion for judo laid the foundation for a long-standing personal and professional relationship with the Russian president.
Rotenberg’s business career took off in the 1990s and early 2000s, capitalizing on the economic transitions in post-Soviet Russia. He co-founded the Stroygazmontazh (SGM) Group, a major construction company involved in significant infrastructure projects, including the construction of gas pipelines for Gazprom, Russia’s state-controlled gas giant. Through SGM and other ventures, Rotenberg amassed considerable wealth, making him one of Russia’s wealthiest individuals.
His business activities, however, have not been without controversy. Rotenberg has faced numerous allegations of corruption, cronyism, and involvement in shady deals that have benefited from his proximity to Putin. These controversies have drawn international attention and sanctions. In 2014, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the United States and the European Union imposed sanctions on Rotenberg and his brother, Boris, targeting their assets and business operations abroad.
In recent developments, Ukraine has placed Arkady on its Wanted list, accusing him of financing actions aimed at forcibly altering the country’s constitutional order, money laundering, and tax evasion. This move underscores the broader geopolitical tensions and the role oligarchs like Rotenberg play in the intricate web of Russian state affairs.
Despite these allegations and sanctions, Rotenberg remains a key figure in Russia’s economic and political landscape, embodying the complex interplay between business and power in contemporary Russia. His career illustrates the significant influence wielded by those within Putin’s inner circle and the controversial means by which they often maintain and expand their wealth.
Who is Igor Rotenberg ?
Igor Rotenberg, born on September 9, 1974, is a prominent Russian businessman and the son of Arkady Rotenberg, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. With a background deeply rooted in Russia’s elite circles, Igor has carved out his own significant niche in the business world, particularly within the energy and infrastructure sectors.
After graduating from Moscow State Law Academy, Igor began his career in various governmental and business roles, gaining experience and building connections that would later be crucial to his business endeavors. His rise in the business world accelerated significantly due to the influence and support of his father, Arkady, who is a well-known Russian oligarch.
Igor Rotenberg has held key positions in several major Russian companies. He was a member of the board of directors at Gazprom Bureniye, one of Russia’s leading drilling companies, and has stakes in other significant enterprises, such as Russian oil and gas companies. His business portfolio is diverse, including interests in real estate, construction, and transportation.
In 2014, Igor acquired substantial assets from his father, including shares in Gazprom Drilling and road construction company Mostotrest. This transfer of assets came at a time when Arkady Rotenberg was under heavy international scrutiny and sanctions due to his close ties with Putin and involvement in the annexation of Crimea.
Igor’s business dealings, like those of his father, have not been without controversy. He has been accused of benefiting from his father’s connections and the overall climate of crony capitalism in Russia. In recent years, both Igor and his father have been targeted by international sanctions aimed at curbing the influence of Putin’s inner circle.
In August 2022, Ukraine listed Igor Rotenberg on its Wanted list, accusing him of financing actions to forcibly alter Ukraine’s constitutional order, money laundering, and tax evasion. These allegations highlight the ongoing geopolitical conflicts and the roles played by powerful Russian oligarchs in these tensions.