Unveiling the Corrupt Practices of Putin’s Russia: From Gazprom Wars to Profiteering
Over the past two decades, under the rule of Vladimir Putin and his party, United Russia, the public has frequently raised concerns regarding corruption. However, the extent of this corruption extends far beyond what has been previously reported.
The Cost of Corruption: Waging Unnecessary Wars
One of the most egregious examples of corruption in Putin’s Russia is the series of wars, known as the Gazprom Wars, initiated to protect natural gas interests. These conflicts, primarily in Syria, Donbas, and Ukraine, have not only caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent people but also displaced millions. Moreover, these wars have led to the destruction of cities and the disruption of essential natural gas pipelines.
Despite these tragic consequences, Russian state media continue to portray Gazprom as a ‘national treasure’ without acknowledging the real motives behind these war efforts. According to investigations by Navalny’s team, it has become evident that the resources from Gazprom have been illegally used to enrich Putin, his loyal allies, and their families.
The Oligarchs and Putin’s Private Bank
During the 1990s, when Alexey Miller served as Putin's deputy, he was informally known as the ‘cashier’ for his ability to handle financial transactions. In 2001, Putin appointed Miller as the CEO of Gazprom, but with strict instructions to use these funds for his personal benefit and the benefit of those close to him. As Navalny’s investigation revealed, the main stakeholders were ousted, leading to a loss of assets that benefited individuals connected to the president.
Notably, in 2008, Gazprom sold five construction companies to Putin’s associate, Arcady Rotenberg, for 8 billion rubles. These assets were then repurchased by Gazprom in 2019 for 75 billion rubles, indicating a highly profitable corruption scheme. Additionally, Gennady Timchenko used Gazprom funds to acquire metallurgical assets and sell them to oligarch Alisher Usmanov, leading to significant profit for himself and those around him.
The Real Master of Gazprom
According to Viktor Davidov's article, the real master of Gazprom is none other than Alexey Miller. Miller has accumulated vast wealth through property acquisitions and lavish lifestyles. He owns multiple luxury vehicles, extensive properties, and valuable assets in Moscow and elsewhere. The premises under his control, including a sprawling palace called Millergof, have drawn significant attention, particularly after a Navalny team investigation.
While the exact amount of money transferred to Putin is unclear, it is evident that Putin wields immense power and wealth. For instance, he can acquire anything he desires without worrying about cost, as evidenced by his personal use of state-funded resources.
European Support and Continuing Corruption
European leaders continue to provide substantial financial support to Gazprom, which in turn is used to fund further destructive actions and corruption. This support not only sustains Putin’s regime but also perpetuates the exploitation of Russian resources and the suffering of the people.
In conclusion, the corruption in Putin’s Russia is deeply ingrained and institutionalized. From unauthorized military campaigns to personal enrichment through state assets, the evidence of wrongdoing is overwhelming. The international community must act to expose and counteract these corrupt practices.
Keywords: corruption in russia, vladimir putin, united russia, gazprom corruption