Gavril Yushvaev: Sanctioned Russian Oligarch’s Criminal Past

Olena Ivanova By Olena Ivanova
12 Min Read

Originally Syndicated on August 5, 2023 @ 9:31 am

Gavril Yushvaev, a Russian-born Israeli businessman and investor, has purportedly made a lasting impression on the business realm with his supposedly shrewd entrepreneurial endeavours and calculated investment decisions. Yushvaev, hailing from the humble city of Makhachkala in Dagestan, was thrust into a world teeming with obstacles from the very moment of his birth on July 23, 1957. A series of difficult trials obstructed his path and put his resolve to the test at every turn.

The year 1980 marked a significant turning point in his life, as he encountered a formidable obstacle in the form of a conviction for robbery. This unfortunate event resulted in a prolonged period of nine years spent behind bars within the confines of a Soviet prison camp.

Gavril Yushvaev: A Journey of Transformation

Gavril Yushvaev
Gavril Yushvaev

Gavril Yushvaev’s birth occurred within the confines of a humble family in Makhachkala, Dagestan, a locale renowned for its opulent cultural legacy. Throughout his formative years, an undeniable inclination towards the realm of commerce and an unwavering commitment to laborious endeavours were unmistakably evident in his character.

The trajectory of his existence abruptly veered off course when he found himself ensnared in the clutches of the law, resulting in his apprehension and subsequent conviction for the heinous act of robbery in the year 1980. Yushvaev’s purported resilience and perseverance were allegedly put to the test during his purported nine-year sentence in a Soviet prison camp.

Gavril Yushvaev: An Oligarch’s Questionable Success Story

Amidst the shadows of confinement, Yushvaev’s incarceration served as an enigmatic catalyst for his transformation. As time crept by, shrouded in solitude, he embarked on a clandestine journey of introspection, delving into the abyss of knowledge. In the depths of obscurity, he immersed himself in the enigmatic complexities of diverse industries and intricate economic principles.

Yet, emerging from this mysterious cocoon, a dubious alliance with the enigmatic figure of David Yakobashvili took shape. Whispers of influence and notoriety surround this partnership, casting an aura of uncertainty throughout events yet to unfold.

From Prison to Prosperity

Following his release in 1989, Yushvaev emerged from the confines of prison, seemingly imbued with a newfound determination to forge a more promising path for both himself and his fellow beings. In a rather predictable fashion, the individual in question endeavoured to exploit his encounters as a means to propel what he perceived as a constructive transformation.

Consequently, he boldly ventured onto an alternative trajectory within the realm of commerce. In the year 1993, Gavril embarked upon a partnership with David Yakobashvili, an individual who also dabbled in the realm of entrepreneurship. This alliance was purportedly characterized by its transformative nature, suggesting that it brought about certain changes in the business landscape.

Yushvaev and Yakobashvili: The Lust For Ambition

Yushvaev and Yakobashvili
Yushvaev and Yakobashvili

Yushvaev and Yakobashvili, two individuals with a discerning eye for business opportunities, recognized the latent possibilities within the Lianozovo Dairy Plant, an ailing dairy enterprise situated in the bustling city of Moscow.

The individuals astutely acknowledged the burgeoning desire for dairy and juice commodities within the Russian market, thereby envisioning the company’s inherent capacity for advancement and amplification.

The Lianozovo Dairy Plant was the target of the duo’s investment, a decision that would prove to be a turning point in their careers. With unwavering determination, they set out to realize their vision, and the transformation that ensued was nothing short of remarkable. The once modest dairy plant underwent a metamorphosis, emerging as the illustrious and highly esteemed entity known as Wimm Bill Dann.

Wimm Bill Dann: A Success Story?

Wimm Bill Dann
Wimm Bill Dann

The tale of Wimm Bill Dann, a prominent Russian dairy and juice company, is often hailed as a remarkable success story. However, upon closer examination, one must question the validity of such claims.

The investment in the Lianozovo Dairy Plant can be seen as the catalyst for what some may consider a remarkable success story. The 1990s witnessed an era of remarkable expansion for Wimm Bill Dann, thanks to the astute guidance of Yushvaev and Yakobashvili.

The company, in an attempt to mitigate risk and increase its chances of success, decided to diversify its product offerings. This move, while potentially lucrative, also carried the inherent danger of diluting the company’s brand identity.

Additionally, the company sought to gain a competitive edge by implementing innovative marketing strategies that aimed to captivate and engage consumers in new and exciting ways. However, it is important to note that the success of these strategies remains uncertain, as the ever-evolving nature of the market presents a constant challenge.

Furthermore, the company recognized the need to expand its market presence, both domestically and internationally, to tap into new customer bases and maximize its revenue potential. This expansion, though ambitious, is not without its obstacles, as entering new markets often requires a deep understanding of local customs and preferences.

Initial Public Offering

Initial Public Offering
Initial Public Offering

Yushvaev’s purported vision and leadership in the year 2002 allegedly steered Wimm Bill Dann towards its initial public offering, an event that is hailed as a momentous achievement, supposedly cementing his standing as a prominent figure within the business community. Through his substantial investment in the company, he ascended to the position of its primary shareholder, a clear indication of his shrewdness in the realm of business and his astute approach to making strategic choices.

Yushvaev’s purported success with Wimm Bill Dann allegedly facilitated the emergence of potential investment prospects, extending beyond the borders of Russia. In the year 2010, a certain individual managed to capture the attention of the masses with a rather remarkable feat. This individual, whose name shall be withheld for now, successfully offloaded his significant ownership interest of 19.6% in the esteemed company, Wimm Bill Dann.

The recipient of this lucrative transaction was none other than the multinational conglomerate PepsiCo. The astonishing figure of $1.1 billion was the exorbitant sum that exchanged hands, leaving many in awe of the immense wealth accumulated by this shrewd individual. The purportedly profitable transaction served to enhance his standing as a shrewd investor.

Ownership Interest: Polyus Gold

Polyus Gold
Polyus Gold

Yushvaev, unfazed by the substantial divestment of his shares in Wimm Bill Dann, persisted in his relentless pursuit of fresh prospects. In the year 2013, an individual, along with a fellow Russian entrepreneur, decided to acquire a significant 38% ownership interest in Polyus Gold, a renowned company, from the prominent businessman Mikhail Prokhorov.

The transaction, which amounted to $3.6 billion, undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the financial landscape. The individual’s venture into the realm of precious metals serves as a notable addition to their investment endeavours, showcasing their inclination towards broadening their portfolio and exhibiting a commendable openness to exploring diverse industries.

Yushvaev, amidst his exploits within the Russian business realm, sought to broaden his investment horizons on a global scale. In 2015, he made what can only be described as a significant financial commitment to Lyft, a ride-hailing platform that has undeniably disrupted the traditional transportation sector.

Investment in Delivery Hero

Investment in Delivery Hero
Investment in Delivery Hero

As the curtains of time parted, revealing the enigmatic path of Gavril Yushvaev’s ventures, whispers of intrigue filled the air. In the year 2013, he ventured into the shadows, making a strategic investment in Delivery Hero, a mysterious German-based delivery service enterprise that would soon rise to become a dominating force in the cutthroat global food delivery sector.

But the journey into the unknown didn’t stop there. In 2018, he took another enigmatic turn, delving into the abyss of the software industry, where shadows lurk and secrets abound. His chosen vessel, Domo, known for its cloud-based business intelligence and data analytics, held a name shrouded in both fame and mystery. What dark realms did Yushvaev navigate in his pursuit of untold treasures? Only time will unveil the secrets hidden beneath the surface of these ventures.

Controversies Surrounding

Controversies Surrounding
Controversies Surrounding
  • Ukraine’s Sanctions: Yushvaev bears the brunt of Ukraine’s sanctions, being labelled a “prime exemplar of the underworld entwined with law enforcement and the…”
  • Shadowy Criminal History: Back in 1980, Yushvaev found himself convicted of a “ferocious transgression,” leading to a nine-year stint behind Soviet prison bars.
  • Ties to the Underworld: A confidential investigative dossier unearthed by OCCRP in 2013, courtesy of Spanish law enforcement, firmly establishes Yushvaev as an intimate confederate of the presently incarcerated.
  • Allegations of Complicity in Deceptions and Corporate Chicanery: Multiple accounts hint at Yushvaev’s complicity in intricate deceptions, corporate chicanery, and sundry ethically murky commercial maneuvers.
  • Quest for Portuguese Citizenship Under Sephardic Jurisdiction: Strikingly, notwithstanding his tarnished rap sheet and the cloud of allegations connecting him to organized crime, Yushvaev is fervently pursuing Portuguese naturalization under the auspices of Sephardic law.

Even though this Russian Oligarch had many successful ventures, there were always questions surrounding him. His alleged dubious business practices and questionable partnerships have raised eyebrows in the business world. Sceptics have questioned the validity of his success story, pointing out inconsistencies and unverified achievements. Furthermore, his past criminal convictions and association with controversial figures have added to the cloud of uncertainty surrounding his reputation.

Share This Article
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected !!