Prigozhin's Assets Likely to Return to 'Putin's Lover' Kabaeva

'Patriot Media' Raid Underway
Wagner Mercenary Group Also Effectively Disbanding

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun seizing the business assets of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group mercenaries, who led a mutiny last month.

'The Russian Queen Who Never Had a Coronation' Kabaeva Likely to Become the New Owner

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to reports on the 2nd (local time), agents from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) recently raided the offices of 'Patriot Media Group' in Saint Petersburg. Patriot Media has historically managed several online media outlets and social media platforms, effectively serving as the Kremlin's mouthpiece.

Patriot Media is considered the core of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s business empire within the Wagner Group. At this location, FSB agents thoroughly searched computers and servers to find evidence related to Prigozhin.

This move was anticipated early on as President Putin’s retaliation against Prigozhin, who failed in his military mutiny, by targeting his business assets. WSJ reported this based on employee testimonies and text messages obtained that day.

In particular, WSJ noted that under Putin’s actions, the new owner of Patriot Media is likely to be the 'National Media Group.'

The National Media Group is led by former rhythmic gymnastics national team member Alina Kabaeva, who is known as Putin’s secret lover and is said to have borne him more than three children.

Putin’s attempt is seen as an effort to reclaim the 'corporate empire' of Prigozhin, whom he once supported. WSJ pointed out that if Putin succeeds in taking control of the Wagner Group, including Patriot Media, it would be one of the few recent historical cases where a government has swallowed up a massive corporate empire.

Wagner Mercenary Group Also Heading Toward 'De Facto Dissolution'

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Russian mercenary company Wagner Group. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The Wagner Group managed over 100 businesses. In particular, Prigozhin commanded these businesses through his holding company 'Concord,' which is considered his original base. The activities of the Wagner Group effectively made it a 'behind-the-scenes supporter' for the Kremlin to exert influence on the international stage and accumulate wealth.

However, on the day the Wagner mercenaries launched their armed advance on the 24th of last month, the Kremlin shut down the Wagner Group’s social media and conducted surprise raids on several Concord subsidiaries. They subsequently discovered firearms, forged passports, cash, and gold bars worth approximately $48 million.

The media outlets under Patriot Media that were raided announced their temporary closure on the 30th of last month. 'Yarus,' known as Prigozhin’s social media platform, also announced on the 29th that it would suspend services and seek new investors.

The Wagner mercenary group is also effectively beginning the process of dissolution.

The Wagner Group announced via its Telegram channel that it would temporarily suspend operations at its regional recruitment centers for one month. They explained that they would not participate in Russia’s 'special military operation' (the war in Ukraine) for the time being and would relocate their base to Belarus.

Additionally, WSJ reported that governments in various African and Middle Eastern countries where Wagner mercenaries had been deployed have been notified by Russian officials that Wagner mercenaries no longer operate independently.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.