Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin, a name that has captured international attention, is a Russian businessman whose involvement in covert operations and political interference in and out of his home country has made him one of the most talked about mercenary.
Born on 1 June 1961 in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Prigozhin has emerged as a central figure in the context of the 2014 Ukrainian crisis and the subsequent conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
His connection to the Wagner Group, a private military contractor, has raised suspicions of his involvement in orchestrating the covert operations, including the annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In this biography, WoK delves into Prigozhin’s life, exploring his business ventures, his once close connection with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the allegations surrounding his role in the Ukrainian coup and its aftermath.
Early Life
He was born 62 years ago in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg).
His mother, Violetta Prigozhina, supported him and his sick grandmother by working at a local hospital.
Prigozhin aspired to be a professional cross-country skier during his school years but did not achieve success in that field.
He was involved in criminal activities, leading to multiple convictions and prison sentences.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
After his release from prison in 1990, Prigozhin started selling hot dogs at a flea market in Leningrad.
He quickly became successful and ventured into various businesses following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The mercenary chief was involved in the grocery store business and became a stakeholder and manager of Contrast, the first grocery store chain in Saint Petersburg. Prigozhin also entered the gambling business and founded casinos in the city.
In 1995, Prigozhin entered the restaurant business and opened his first restaurant, Old Customs House, followed by New Island, a floating restaurant.
His restaurants gained popularity and attracted high-profile guests, including Russian and foreign political figures.
Prigozhin’s businesses started winning government contracts, including contracts for catering services and supplying meals to the Russian military.
Close Relationship with Vladimir Putin
Prigozhin’s proximity to Vladimir Putin grew in the 2000s.
By 2003, he established his independent restaurants and received lucrative government contracts. His company, Concord Catering, became a recipient of numerous government contracts.
Prigozhin’s businesses flourished, and he acquired significant wealth and assets, including a private jet, a yacht, and a luxurious Saint Petersburg compound.
Controversies and Sanctions
Prigozhin faced allegations of corrupt business practices and illegal wealth accumulation. He was accused of supplying poor-quality food to Moscow schools, leading to a dysentery outbreak.
His companies and associates faced economic sanctions and criminal charges in the United States, with the FBI offering a reward for information leading to his arrest.
The European Union also imposed sanctions on Prigozhin for his financing of the Wagner Group and his role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Involvement with Wagner Group
Prigozhin is the self-reported founder of the Wagner Group, a controversial Kremlin-affiliated private military contractor.
The group has been involved in various conflicts, including supporting Russian forces in the war in Donbas and operating in Africa and the Middle East.
Prigozhin’s connection to the Wagner Group was widely speculated, and he confirmed his involvement in September 2022.
Alleged Coup and Mutiny
In June 2023, Prigozhin launched an alleged coup and announced his forces’ movement into Russia, signaling a significant shift in his relationship with the Russian government.
The exact details and motivations behind the coup remain unclear with the Russian president Putin terming the act as treason and assuring the nation of decisive action against the Wagner group in his June 24th address.
