Originally Syndicated on August 29, 2023 @ 11:27 am
Yevgeny Prigozhin, once a trusted associate of Vladimir Putin and often dubbed ‘Putin’s chef,‘ lived a life of luxury within Russia’s elite circles. However, things dramatically changed for him after the failed coup attempt by the Wagner Group, a private militia under his command. This article shares all the information about Prigozhin’s background, his extravagant St. Petersburg mansion, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his demise.
Table of Contents
The Mysterious Plane Crash
On the fateful evening of August 23, a private jet tragically crashed in the rural Tver region of Russia, claiming the lives of all 10 people on board. Among the victims was Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former mercenary chief who had become a formidable opponent of Putin. Speculation surrounds the crash, as some witnesses reported explosions during the jet’s descent. President Biden even suggested Kremlin involvement, citing Putin’s extensive influence.
Who Was Yevgeny Prigozhin?
Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin was the leader of a group of Russian mercenaries and an oligarch. He also started the Wagner private military group.
He was also called “Putin’s chef” because the Kremlin hired his food company.
He was born in Leningrad, Russian SFSR, USSR, on June 1, 1961.
After he was found guilty of robbery, theft, and getting teens involved in crime, he went to jail for nine years.
In 1988, Prigozhin was given a pardon, and in 1990, he was set free.
In the early 2000s, he became well-known after getting lucrative catering and construction contracts from the Russian government. At the same time, he built a mercenary group called Wagner.
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Lavish St. Petersburg Mansion
In June 2023, after the failed coup, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) raided his luxurious home in St. Petersburg. The vast, well-kept grounds of the estate show how grand it is, which is a reflection of his lavish lifestyle before he fell out of favour with Putin.
Extravagant Living Spaces
The mansion’s interior is equally opulent, with marble floors, a sweeping staircase, and silk brocade wallpaper. This decor stands in stark contrast to Yevgeny Prigozhin’s humble upbringing in a tough St. Petersburg neighbourhood, drawing parallels with Putin’s own modest origins.
The Spoils of War
Before he died, his illegal income was thought to be worth $1 billion, which was a reflection of how much the Wagner Group’s services cost. The mansion is full of expensive furniture and amenities, like a huge flat-screen TV in one of the sitting rooms.
A Kitchen Worthy of ‘Putin’s Chef’
The kitchen, while not as elaborate as the main reception room, features ornate columns and a chandelier. It’s a fitting space for a man once known as ‘Putin’s chef.’
Unusual Decorations
Among the lavish decor is an unexpected sight: an alligator perched on a console table in an opulent entryway.
Musical Inclinations
Upstairs, a striking ebony grand piano hints at his musical interests. He lived in the mansion with his wife, Lyudmila, and their three adult children.
Elaborate Architecture
The mansion’s upper level reveals classical architectural details, with a vaulted glass roof allowing daylight to flood the open entertaining spaces. Prigozhin clearly favoured grand Grecian-inspired designs.
Plush Bedroom
One of the mansion’s regal bedrooms features dark wooden panels, cream silk curtains, and luxurious furnishings, indicating the occupant’s exquisite taste.
Cache of Weapons
Surprisingly, this bedroom also held a cache of assault weapons and ammunition. Mysterious boxes and bags were also discovered, hinting at his secretive activities.
A Closet of Wigs?
Among the finds were solid gold bars, wads of US dollars, and passports. Perhaps the most intriguing discovery was a closet filled with wigs and beards, possibly used as disguises during militia operations.
Wagner HQ
Another room served as the likely headquarters of his mercenary company. Binders and mysterious items hidden in bin bags suggest a mix of business and recreation, including a stately pool table.
Sinister Souvenirs
The office contained disturbing framed photographs depicting Prigozhin’s deceased adversaries. His uniform, adorned with medals, was also displayed, including a prestigious Hero of Russia award.
Prized medals
In another corner of the office, his prized uniform, adorned with medals, is proudly on display. According to Anton Gerashchenko, advisor to Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, a Hero of Russia award was also discovered in the room. The accolade was reportedly presented to Yevgeny Prigozhin on June 20, 2022.
Gilded Prayer Room
In contrast to the militaristic memorabilia, the mansion boasted a prayer room with Russian Orthodox Church-inspired iconography and gilded fixtures, featuring a mural with banned blue and yellow colours.
Luxurious Spa Bathroom
Opulence continued with a spa-like bathroom, complete with a hot tub and raised platform, likely used for relaxation after overseas assignments.
Indoor Swimming Pool
The property included a large indoor swimming pool with a Jacuzzi and children’s slide, indicative of a penchant for pampering.
Sleek Sauna and Wetroom
A modern sauna and wet room, featuring marble-clad walls and LED lighting, suggested a recent addition to the mansion.
Private Medical Facilities
A well-equipped medical room raised questions about his health, with reports suggesting he was undergoing treatment for stomach cancer before his death. The mansion’s fate and the truth behind Yevgeny Prigozhin’s demise remain in mystery.
