Criminal Past: Yevgeny Prigozhin, now the chief of Russian mercenary force Wagner Group, began his career as a petty criminal and served a ten-year sentence behind bars. He was released from jail in 1990 and embarked on a different path.
Connection with Putin: Prigozhin's restaurant, the Old Customs House, was a favored spot of Russian President Putin. It was where Putin frequently entertained his guests, forging a personal connection with Prigozhin.
"Putin's Chef": Prigozhin earned the nickname "Putin's Chef" due to his restaurant and catering businesses providing services to the Kremlin. This association further solidified his ties to Putin and his inner circle.
Wagner Group Founder: Prigozhin is the founder of Wagner Group, a Russian state-backed mercenary company established in 2014. Wagner Group operates an extensive network of influential companies under his control.
Election Interference Allegations: Prigozhin's influence extends beyond military matters. He controls three companies that have faced accusations of interfering in the 2016 and 2018 US elections, adding to the controversy surrounding his activities.
Discontent with Russian Generals: Prigozhin has expressed his dissatisfaction with Russian generals through scathing videos and even threatened to withdraw his troops from Bakhmut. His public criticism has raised eyebrows and further highlighted his assertive nature.