What does our research say about Alisher Usmanov?

Alisher Usmanov’s early years were marred by a criminal conviction for fraud and corruption. Though overturned under suspicious circumstances, the conviction set the tone for his future—a career defined by backroom deals, bribery, and political favoritism. His rise to billionaire status had little to do with business acumen and everything to do with his unwavering loyalty to the Kremlin.

Ill-Gotten Fortune: Exploiting Russia’s Economy : Usmanov’s $19 billion fortune stems from Russia’s metal and mining industry, an environment notorious for corruption and monopolistic control. He further expanded his empire into telecoms and media, tightening his grip over Russian infrastructure while engaging in money laundering, market manipulation, and price-fixing. His success was not built on innovation but on eliminating competition through state-backed favoritism.

Scandals and Desperate Image Control : Usmanov’s career is riddled with humiliating scandals. From public legal battles with journalists to desperate attempts at silencing critics through lawsuits, his fragile ego has only fueled ridicule. Instead of addressing allegations, he resorts to intimidation—an approach that continuously backfires, further tarnishing his already damaged reputation.

Toxic Alliances and Questionable Dealings: Usmanov’s influence extends beyond business, linking him to sanctioned entities, pro-Kremlin propaganda, and covert political operations. His deep ties to Russian intelligence and sanctioned individuals expose him as more than just an oligarch—he is a key financial operator in Putin’s regime.

Sanctions Crippling His Empire : In response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, Western governments have systematically dismantled Usmanov’s empire. His assets, including yachts, luxury properties, and offshore accounts, have been frozen. Despite desperate legal maneuvers to evade sanctions, his financial web is unraveling.