The Economist reports that in 2023, Russian billionaire Andrey… (мельниченко · путин · миллиардер)
The Economist reports that in 2023, Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko transferred 32 billion rubles to the 'Sirius' foundation, created under Putin's initiative and dedicated to supporting talented children, following a threat of asset seizure by the Prosecutor General's Office over his energy company Sibeco. This information comes from The Economist's extensive investigation based on 60 hours of interviews with Melnichenko conducted over three months.
Consensus
- Andrey Melnichenko donated 32 billion rubles to the 'Sirius' educational center in 2023.
- The donation occurred after the General Prosecutor's Office threatened to seize Melnichenko's energy company, Sibeko.
- The General Prosecutor's Office withdrew its lawsuit for nationalization of Sibeko assets following the donation.
- The 'Sirius' center was created on an initiative by Vladimir Putin in 2014.
- Melnichenko is one of Russia's wealthiest individuals, ranked 8th by Forbes with a net worth of $20.4 billion.
Points of divergence
- The donation was made under threat of asset confiscation and convinced Melnichenko that he needed guarantees for property rights within the Russian political system. — tg_astrapress
- Melnichenko's donation was described as a 'social charitable contribution in education and enlightenment' to justify withdrawal of the nationalization lawsuit, but the specific recipient organization was not disclosed. — mediazona
- The meeting between Melnichenko and Putin took place in May 2025 and lasted over an hour after midnight. — tg_astrapress
- The agreement between the General Prosecutor's Office and Kuzbassenergo, controlled by Melnichenko, was announced on October 6, 2023. — mediazona
Coverage (2 sources)
- The Economist: Russian billionaire Melnichenko transferred 32 billion rubles to Putin-initiated fund 'Sirius' in 2023 — ASTRA
- Businessman Melnichenko transferred 32 billion rubles to the 'Sirius' center linked with Putin; after this, the Prosecutor General's Office did not nationalize his assets — Медиазона