On paper, Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin is a man of modest means: official documents show he has an income of about $153,000 (£96,000), and owns a small plot of land, a small flat and three cars, one of which is the obligatory Soviet Lada.
But the New York Times reveals today that a number of Putin’s friends have succeeded in becoming fabulously wealthy in recent years.
In a punchy investigation that speaks volumes about how Russia’s state-owned industries are used as political pawns, the New York Times unpicks the web of social and business connections that links Putin’s St Petersburg clique.
Although critics view the wealth accumulation as ‘government-sanctioned theft’ of Russian natural resources, the Times points out that the line between legal business and illegality is ‘fuzzy’ in Russia, and there is no evidence of criminal activities. Instead, contracts have often been awarded without competitive bidding, or properties have been sold at discounted rates. Full story...
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But the New York Times reveals today that a number of Putin’s friends have succeeded in becoming fabulously wealthy in recent years.
In a punchy investigation that speaks volumes about how Russia’s state-owned industries are used as political pawns, the New York Times unpicks the web of social and business connections that links Putin’s St Petersburg clique.
Although critics view the wealth accumulation as ‘government-sanctioned theft’ of Russian natural resources, the Times points out that the line between legal business and illegality is ‘fuzzy’ in Russia, and there is no evidence of criminal activities. Instead, contracts have often been awarded without competitive bidding, or properties have been sold at discounted rates. Full story...
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- Playboy cover star Maria Kozhevnikova wins Russian parliament seat...
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