Evgenij Prigožin, often referred to as “Putin’s Chef,” is one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures to emerge from Russia in recent decades. Born on June 1, 1961, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Prigožin has been a businessman, a confidant to Vladimir Putin, and a central figure in numerous global controversies. His journey from a young man involved in petty crime to becoming a powerful player in Russian politics and international conflicts is a tale that intertwines business acumen, political influence, and military operations.
Early Life and the Rise to Power
Evgenij Viktorovich Prigožin’s early life was marked by a series of events that set the stage for his future endeavors. Born in Leningrad, Prigožin developed an interest in sports, particularly cross-country skiing, during his youth. He attended a secondary school focused on athletics and graduated in 1977. However, his life soon took a darker turn.
In the late 1970s, Prigožin began engaging in activities that skirted the boundaries of legality. His first brush with the law came in November 1979 when he was given a suspended sentence for theft. This, however, was just the beginning. Two years later, in 1981, he was convicted of robbery, fraud, and other crimes. Originally sentenced to 12 years in prison, Prigožin served nine years before being released in 1990. This period behind bars did not deter him from pursuing his ambitions; rather, it seemed to ignite a drive that would propel him into the world of business and, eventually, politics.
Upon his release, Prigožin, along with his stepfather, launched a hot dog stand in St. Petersburg. This modest beginning in the food industry would eventually lead to Prigožin’s expansion into more lucrative ventures. With the help of a former school friend, Boris Spektor, Prigožin moved into managing the largest chain of grocery stores in St. Petersburg. His success in the food industry continued as he ventured into the casino business, becoming one of the first to establish casinos in the city.
By 1997, Prigožin had opened a floating restaurant inspired by the romantic dining experiences along the Seine in Paris. This venture quickly became one of the most exclusive establishments in St. Petersburg, frequented by the city’s elite, including Vladimir Putin.
The Connection with Vladimir Putin
Prigožin’s relationship with Vladimir Putin is one of the most critical aspects of his rise to power. As Prigožin’s restaurant business flourished, he began to serve high-profile clients, including Putin and various foreign dignitaries. This connection provided him with opportunities that extended beyond the culinary world.
As Putin’s influence in Russian politics grew, so did Prigožin’s. He secured numerous government contracts, most notably for providing meals to Russian school cafeterias and military institutions. These contracts not only made him wealthy but also solidified his status as a key player in Putin’s inner circle. However, his involvement in these government contracts would later become the subject of scandal.
In 2013, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny exposed a scandal involving Prigožin’s companies, accusing them of providing substandard food to Russian schools. Despite the negative publicity, Prigožin’s influence remained strong, and he continued to expand his business empire.
Controversial Activities and International Influence
Prigožin’s activities were not confined to Russia. Over time, he became involved in various international operations that would bring him under the scrutiny of governments around the world. His ventures into digital consulting and media manipulation became particularly notorious.
One of the most significant controversies surrounding Prigožin is his alleged involvement in meddling in the 2016 United States presidential election. His company, the Internet Research Agency (IRA), was accused of creating fake social media profiles to influence public opinion and sow discord among voters. This operation, often referred to as the “troll factory,” led to criminal charges being filed against Prigožin by the U.S. government.
Prigožin, however, was unapologetic about his actions. In a rare public statement, he reportedly said, “We interfered, we are interfering, and we will continue to interfere. Carefully, precisely, surgically, and in our own way, as we know how.” This defiant attitude only intensified the international condemnation he faced.
Beyond his activities in the digital realm, Prigožin’s influence extended into military and geopolitical arenas through his involvement with the Wagner Group, a private military company (PMC). Although he denied his connection to the group for years, it became increasingly clear that Prigožin was instrumental in its operations.
The Wagner Group and Military Ventures
The Wagner Group, founded around 2014, has been involved in various conflicts around the world, often acting in support of Russian interests. The group’s activities have been reported in Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, and, more recently, Ukraine. Wagner mercenaries are known for their ruthless tactics, and the group’s operations have often been shrouded in secrecy.
Prigožin’s connection to Wagner came to the forefront in September 2022, when he publicly admitted his involvement in its formation. This admission confirmed what many had long suspected: that Prigožin was not just a businessman but also a key figure in Russia’s military and geopolitical strategies.
The Wagner Group’s role in the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its subsequent involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlighted Prigožin’s deep entanglement in Russia’s military endeavors. The group’s mercenaries played a crucial role in several battles, and their presence in Ukraine has been a significant factor in the conflict’s progression.
Prigožin’s influence within the Wagner Group was not just limited to its military operations. Reports indicated that he was also involved in the group’s financial and logistical support, making him a central figure in its activities.
The Attempted Coup and Fallout with Putin
Despite his long-standing loyalty to Vladimir Putin, Prigožin’s relationship with the Russian president took a dramatic turn in June 2023. Tensions between Prigožin and the Russian military leadership had been simmering for some time, particularly regarding the handling of the conflict in Ukraine.
In June 2023, these tensions boiled over when Prigožin led an armed rebellion against the Russian Ministry of Defense. The rebellion was sparked by Prigožin’s accusations that the ministry had lied about the success of the Ukrainian counteroffensive and had ordered airstrikes that killed numerous Wagner mercenaries.
On June 24, 2023, Prigožin and his forces began a march towards Moscow, an act that was widely seen as an attempted coup. Vladimir Putin quickly condemned the rebellion as an act of treason, and it appeared that a violent confrontation was imminent. However, thanks to the intervention of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a deal was brokered, and the coup attempt was averted.
Despite this, the fallout from the rebellion had significant consequences for Prigožin. His relationship with Putin was irreparably damaged, and he was forced into a more isolated position within the Russian power structure.
The Mysterious Death of Evgenij Prigožin
On August 23, 2023, Evgenij Prigožin was killed in a plane crash while traveling on a private jet owned by the Wagner Group. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain shrouded in mystery, and speculation about foul play has been rampant. Given Prigožin’s high-profile status and the recent coup attempt, many have questioned whether his death was the result of an orchestrated assassination.
The Russian government has been tight-lipped about the details of the crash, and the lack of clear information has only fueled rumors and conspiracy theories. What is certain, however, is that Prigožin’s death marked the end of a complex and controversial life that had a profound impact on Russian politics and global affairs.
Personal Life and Legacy
Evgenij Prigožin was married to Liubov Valentinovna Prigožina, a pharmacist who later became a successful entrepreneur in the wellness industry. She owned several spas and wellness centers, expanding the family’s business interests beyond the realms of food and military contracting. The couple had a daughter, Polina, who has largely stayed out of the public eye.
Prigožin’s legacy is one of complexity. On one hand, he was a successful businessman who rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in Russia’s political and military landscape. On the other hand, his involvement in international controversies, including election interference and mercenary activities, painted him as a shadowy figure operating at the fringes of legality and morality.
Prigožin’s life and career serve as a reflection of the turbulent and often opaque nature of Russian politics in the 21st century. His story is a reminder of the power that individuals can wield behind the scenes and the impact they can have on global events.
As the world continues to grapple with the implications of Prigožin’s actions, his legacy will likely be debated for years to come. Whether seen as a patriot who served Russian interests or a villain who manipulated global events for personal gain, Evgenij Prigožin remains a significant figure in modern history.
