Businessman Baisarov, connected to Kadyrov and Gazprombank, received a major gold mining company for almost half price
The Yuzhuralzoloto company, nationalized last year, was sold to structures controlled by businessman Ruslan Baisarov. The winner of the tender was BTS Bridge Holding JSC. While its founders and management are hidden in the Unified State Register of Legal Entities, Baisarov was the founder and beneficiary until 2024. The company shares an address with BTS-Mostotroy JSC, where Baisarov chairs the supervisory board. The state sold the asset on the fourth attempt and at a significant discount, with Baisarov's structure paying 93.2 billion rubles, or 57% of the initial price of 162 billion rubles. Media previously reported that Gazprombank (GPB) structures might acquire Yuzhuralzoloto, supported by the fact that a GPB top manager became the company's head after nationalization. Baisarov, a long-time business partner of Gazprombank, is known for receiving large state contracts in transport infrastructure and is a friend of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. In 2024, Yuzhuralzoloto ranked eighth in Russia by gold production volume. The nationalization of Yuzhuralzoloto occurred in July 2025 following a lawsuit by the Prosecutor General's Office, citing violations of anti-corruption laws by its owner, Konstantin Strukov. Strukov attempted to flee Russia but was stopped by FSB officers. The court seized Yuzhuralzoloto shares for the state. Initially, it was suggested that a minor shareholder, likely Gazprombank, would acquire the company. After nationalization, Semyon Grinko, who reportedly worked in Gazprombank's trading markets operations, headed Yuzhuralzoloto and later joined GPB's board. Baisarov has been involved in several large state deals, including contracts for bridge construction and the Baikal-Amur Mainline and Trans-Siberian Railway modernization with GPB. He is also known as a friend and alleged 'wallet' of Ramzan Kadyrov and has been involved in deals benefiting Kadyrov. Baisarov has also had business dealings with figures like Fedor Bondarchuk and Stepan, son of Nikita Mikhalkov, and has a child with Kristina Orbakaite. A case involving the murder of a Chechen refugee, Ayshat Baimuradova, in Yerevan, implicated Sayid-Khamzat Baisarov, identified as Ruslan Baisarov's nephew.
Businessman Baisarov, connected to Kadyrov and Gazprombank, received a major gold mining company for almost half price Businessman Ruslan Baisarov, through his affiliated company, has purchased the nationalized Yuzhuralzoloto for 57% of its initial price. Baisarov has a history of securing large state contracts and maintains close ties with Gazprombank and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. The article details the company’s nationalization process and Baisarov’s alleged enrichment through state-backed projects, alongside mentions of his personal connections and a controversial familial link.
- Ruslan Baisarov’s structures acquired the nationalized Yuzhuralzoloto company for 93.2 billion rubles, 57% of the initial price.
- Baisarov has long-standing business ties with Gazprombank and is known for receiving large state infrastructure contracts.
- He is also described as a friend of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and has been involved in deals allegedly benefiting Kadyrov.
- Yuzhuralzoloto was nationalized in July 2025 due to its owner’s violation of laws prohibiting state officials from engaging in business.
- The article highlights Baisarov’s financial dealings with the state and his connections to prominent figures in business and entertainment, as well as a familial link to a murder case.
- Gazprombank’s historical ties to Yuri Kovalchuk’s family are also noted.
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