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Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin, the sole child of his parents, was born on June 1, 1961, in Leningrad, which is now known as Saint Petersburg, Russia. His mother, Violetta Kirovna Prigozhina, worked as a hospital nurse, while his father, Viktor Yevgenyevich Prigozhin, served as a mining engineer until his unfortunate passing when Yevgeny was just nine years old.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s early life is shrouded in mystery, and not much is known about his upbringing or family background. What is clear, however, is that he entered the world of business and politics in Russia during the turbulent years following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Prigozhin made his initial fortune in the 1990s through various business ventures, including restaurants and catering services. His company, Concord Management and Consulting, grew rapidly and became a major player in Russia’s food and hospitality industry. It was during this time that Prigozhin earned the nickname “Putin’s Chef” due to his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Wagner Group and Private Military Activities
One of the most controversial aspects of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s career is his alleged involvement in the private military company known as the Wagner Group. The Wagner Group gained notoriety for its activities in conflict zones, including Ukraine and Syria. While Prigozhin has denied any direct connection to the group, multiple reports suggest otherwise. The Wagner Group’s actions have raised questions about the extent of Prigozhin’s influence on Russian foreign policy.
In 2018, several Wagner Group mercenaries were killed in a confrontation with U.S. forces in Syria, further highlighting the group’s shadowy operations and its potential links to the Russian government.
Internet Research Agency and Disinformation Campaigns
Yevgeny Prigozhin has also been linked to the Internet Research Agency (IRA), a Russian organization known for its alleged involvement in spreading disinformation and conducting influence operations on social media platforms, particularly during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The U.S. Department of Justice indicted Prigozhin and other individuals associated with the IRA for their alleged role in these activities. Prigozhin has denied any involvement.
Impact on Russian Politics
Prigozhin’s influence in Russian politics is widely acknowledged, with reports suggesting that he has played a role in shaping domestic and international policy. His connections to President Putin have fueled speculation about his ability to influence key decisions.
Where is the Prigoschin Family Residing?
At present, there is no available information regarding the current residence of Prigozhin’s family. However, there is speculation that they may be residing in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yevgeny_Prigozhin
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-putin-wont-attend-prigozhin-funeral-kremlin-2023-08-29/
