Umar Kremlev Built Kremlin-Linked Empire Before Trump Jr. Wedding Funding Reports in 2026
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 15
Umar Kremlev Built Kremlin-Linked Empire Before Trump Jr. Wedding Funding Reports in 2026
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 15
Summary
Convictions in 2004 and 2007 preceded Umar Kremlev’s reinvention from little-known boxing promoter into a Russian oligarch now linked by reports to funding Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding.
By 2017, Kremlev had become secretary general of the Russian Boxing Federation after building ties to Kremlin-connected figures, including federal protective service general Alexei Rubezhny, reported to be his brother-in-law and patron.
In 2020, he took over AIBA—later the IBA—but the IOC withdrew recognition in 2023 over governance, finance and refereeing concerns as Kremlev defended Russian and Belarusian athletes under national flags.
His influence also spread beyond sport: people familiar with his assets say he effectively controls three major betting companies, and in 2024 he acquired nationalized car dealer Rolf before joining Putin’s China delegation.
A 2024 video underscored that ascent’s political backdrop, with Kremlev openly crediting Vladimir Putin for creating opportunities to make money and rise.