
Special Update |
Unlike the 19th-century American robber barons who built their monopolies from the wilderness, Russia's oligarchs amassed their control and wealth from existing enterprises. With few exceptions, Russia's oligarchs built nothing new. The men had varying backgrounds. Some were factory managers who during Russia's transition forced their employees to sell them their shares in the once-state-owned enterprises; others were senior government officials while yet others were underground businessmen on the margins of society. But all shared a common thirst for money and power, the latter of which included establishing -- or maintaining -- connections to the political elite in Russia, a country where the rule of law is still sometimes trumped by the rule of in-laws.
In Russia today, just a handful of oligarchs control 85 percent of the value of the country's leading private companies. And with their multibillion-dollar fortunes, they are joining the top ranks of the world's wealthiest people. Meet a few of Russia's most powerful and influential business tycoons.
Next: Roman Abramovich - Stealth Oligarch
By Kelly Whalen
Kelly Whalen is a freelance writer and documentary producer based in Oakland, Calif.
Producer: Angela Morgenstern; Designed by: Susan Harris, Fluent Studios; see full web credits.
Photo Credits
Photo of Vagit Alekperov - Photographer/Getty Images
Photo of Vladimir Potanin - Photographer/Getty Images
Photo of Roman Abramovich - AP / Wide World Photos
Photo of Mihail Fridman - AP / Wide World Photos
Photo of Vladimir Gusinsky - AP / Wide World Photos

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