Story
Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin (born June 1, 1961) is a prominent Russian oligarch and shrewd businessman who once held a highly trusted and influential position as a key ally of Vladimir Putin. However, his trajectory took an unexpected turn when he was accused of orchestrating a coup in June 2023. Prior to this controversy, Prigozhin had built an impressive empire through various business ventures, amassing a considerable fortune and establishing a formidable presence in Russian politics.
The alleged involvement in the coup attempt dealt a serious blow to Yevgeny Prigozhin’s standing and led to his exile from the country he once called home. His sudden downfall has sparked a fierce debate about his legacy, which is shrouded in controversy and subject to conflicting interpretations. Some see him as a powerful force manipulating political strings behind the scenes, while others see him as a pawn in a much larger game.
Despite the mixed reviews, Yevgeny Prigozhin’s impact on Russia’s political landscape cannot be denied. His rise to prominence demonstrated his shrewd business skills and ability to navigate complex webs of power. However, the accusations against him have tarnished his reputation, casting doubt on his past alliances and contributions.
Russian tycoon
Yevgeny Prigozhin | |
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Yevgeny Prigozhin: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos | |
Wiki Events & About Data | |
First and last name: | Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin |
Stage Name: | Yevgeny Prigozhin, Putin’s chef |
Born: | June 1, 1961 (age 63) |
Place of birth: | Saint Petersburg, Russia |
State of origin: | Ogun |
Education: | Училище Олимпийского Резерва № 1 (1977), Saint Petersburgskiy Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskiy University |
Nationality: | Russian |
Height: | 1.72 meters |
Parents: | Violetta Prigozhina |
Siblings: | Do not have |
Couple: | Lyubov Prigozhina |
Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
Children: | Polina Prigozhina, Pavel Prigozhin |
Job: | Tycoon • Businessman |
Net asset value: | 1 million dollar |
Early life and education
Yevgeny Prigozhin was born on June 1, 1961, in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg, Russia. Yevgeny was the son of Violetta Prigozhina, a former doctor and teacher. Yevgeny’s childhood was marked by financial hardship; the family was forced to live on a meager income.
As a result, he had to stop studying early and say goodbye to formal school at the age of 15. Yevgeny Prigozhin respected his mother very much, acknowledging her important role in his life.
After completing his studies at a prestigious school Olympic Preparatory School In 1977, Yevgeny Prigozhin began his higher education at the prestigious school Saint Petersburg State University of Pharmacy and Chemistryalso known as Saint Petersburgskiy Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskiy University. Studying hard, he persevered for many years and successfully obtained a university degree in 1988.
Career
In the early 1990s, Yevgeny Prigozhin entered the culinary world, entering the food industry and opening a chain of restaurants in the bustling city of St. Petersburg. Having established himself in this culinary field, Prigozhin’s name became a symbol of luxury and extravagance, attracting attention for his lavish parties, which were attended by high-ranking officials and distinguished guests. Gradually, his reputation as a host of major events grew, firmly cementing his position as a prominent figure in St. Petersburg’s vibrant social scene.
In the early 2000s, Yevgeny Prigozhin’s catering business caught the attention of Vladimir Putin himself, creating a special connection between the two. The Russian president, captivated by Prigozhin’s cuisine, regularly sought the services of his restaurant, whether for state matters or to prepare delicious dishes for Putin’s personal birthday celebrations. Thus, a unique bond developed between Prigozhin, the culinary master, and Putin, with Prigozhin becoming one of the president’s trusted contacts in the culinary world.
However, Yevgeny Prigozhin’s ties to the Kremlin and his high profile have also led to suspicions about his involvement in various political activities. Most notably, he has faced accusations of meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, a revelation that has sparked heated debate and cast a shadow over his reputation. He has also been accused of supporting separatist factions involved in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, raising concerns about his potential role in destabilizing democratic institutions and global politics. Prigozhin has vehemently denied any wrongdoing or involvement in such activities, steadfastly maintaining his innocence.
It is worth noting that Yevgeny Prigozhin’s influence extends beyond the realms of cuisine and politics. He has made a significant mark in the private military industry, notably as the mastermind behind Wagner Group. The controversial company has been embroiled in conflicts across Ukraine, Syria and Libya. However, Wagner Group have also faced allegations of human rights abuses, including torture and murder, raising serious questions about the ethics and accountability of private military businesses in international conflicts.
On June 23, 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin made an important announcement regarding the ongoing conflict between the Russian regular armed forces and Wagner forces. He revealed that the Wagner PMC Command Council had unanimously decided to address the damage caused by the country’s military leadership. However, the unfolding events took an unexpected turn, as Prigozhin faced charges filed by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), accusing him of inciting an armed rebellion in response to the ongoing conflict.
Social Media
Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman often referred to as “Putin’s chef” due to his catering company’s close ties to the Russian president, is known to not have any official accounts on popular social media platforms.
Personal life
Yevgeny Prigozhin, 63, a famous personality, is happily married to Lyubov Prigozhina. The couple has two lovely children, a daughter named Polina Prigozhina and a son named Pavel Prigozhin.
The couple’s daughter, Polina Prigozhina, has pursued an acting and singing career, while Pavel Prigozhin has established himself as a successful businessman. The family enjoys a happy and fulfilling life together, with their efforts contributing to their happiness and success.
Net asset value
Yevgeny Prigozhin, a prominent figure in Russian business and politics, has an estimated net worth of over $1 billion. He is also widely said to be close to Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia.
Additionally, he has been associated with Wagner GroupA private military contractor is under fire for its alleged involvement in several military operations in Libya, Syria and Ukraine.