Alisher Usmanov Net Worth

Alisher Usmanov: A Deep Dive into the Net Worth, Career, and Controversies

What is Alisher Usmanov’s Net Worth?

Alisher Usmanov, an Uzbek-born Russian billionaire, has built a vast fortune through diverse investments and business ventures. His net worth has fluctuated over the years, reflecting the dynamic nature of his portfolio and the impact of global events. As of late 2023, Alisher Usmanov’s net worth is estimated to be around $18 billion, though this figure has varied due to economic sanctions and market conditions.

Usmanov’s wealth stems from a strategic mix of assets, including significant holdings in mining, metallurgy, and telecommunications. His early career laid the foundation for his later success, establishing him as a key player in various sectors of the Russian economy. His ability to navigate complex financial transactions and his close ties to major state-owned enterprises have been instrumental in his rise to prominence. His involvement in the media and sports industries has also contributed to his overall financial standing and public profile.

Usmanov is the majority shareholder of Metalloinvest, a major Russian industrial conglomerate involved in mining and metallurgy. He has also held significant positions in Gazprom Investholding, the investment arm of the state-owned energy giant Gazprom. Further diversification of his business interests includes investments in precious metals, iron ore, steel, natural gas, and media companies.

It’s worth noting that Alisher Usmanov’s financial status has been subject to change. In February 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Usmanov was blacklisted by the European Union, leading to asset freezes and travel bans. These sanctions, along with fluctuations in the global market, have likely influenced his net worth. Forbes’ real-time billionaires list and its annual world’s billionaires list have reflected these changes, providing an ongoing snapshot of Usmanov’s financial position.

Early Life and Education

Alisher Burkhanovich Usmanov was born on September 9, 1953, in Chust, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union. His upbringing in Tashkent, where his father served as a state prosecutor, provided an early exposure to the workings of the Soviet system. He later moved to Moscow to pursue higher education, demonstrating a desire for a career with international reach. His acceptance into the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, a prestigious institution known for training diplomats and international law experts, marked a significant step in his early career aspirations.

Usmanov’s education in international law, completed in 1976, equipped him with a solid foundation for navigating the complexities of international business and politics. After graduation, he returned to Tashkent, where he took on the role of director of the Foreign Economic Association of the Soviet Peace Committee. This early experience provided him with valuable insights into foreign trade and international relations, laying the groundwork for his future business ventures.

Business Ventures and Career Highlights

Alisher Usmanov’s career path transitioned from the Soviet era to the post-Soviet economic landscape, marked by significant entrepreneurial achievements and strategic investments. His early ventures included establishing a company that produced plastic bags, showcasing his ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities. Throughout the 1990s, Usmanov held key positions in various financial institutions, including Intercross JSC and Interfin Interbank Investment and Finance Company, gaining considerable experience in the financial sector.

His role as First Deputy Chairman of MAPO-Bank and as an advisor to the General Director of Moscow Aviation Industrial Enterprise further expanded his network and expertise. A pivotal moment in his career came with his appointment as General Director of Gazprom Investholding, the investment arm of Russia’s state-owned energy giant Gazprom. His tenure, which lasted until 2014, involved managing complex financial transactions, contributing to the growth and strategic investments of Gazprom. During this time, he also began to acquire stakes in various companies, including significant holdings in the mining and media sectors.

Usmanov’s investment in Facebook in 2009, which yielded a substantial return when he sold his shares in 2012, showcased his ability to identify promising technology ventures. His investment portfolio expanded to include companies such as Apple, Airbnb, Groupon, and Alibaba, reflecting a keen interest in diversified investments. In the media sector, he acquired the newspaper Kommersant and significant stakes in Russian television channels, including Muz-TV and UTH, further expanding his business interests and influence.

Personal Life and Family

Alisher Usmanov’s personal life reflects a blend of cultural traditions and modern affluence. In 1980, he was arrested and convicted of various crimes, including corruption, fraud, and theft of state property, and was sentenced to prison. He was released after six years, and in 2000, his conviction was vacated by the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan. His marriage to Irina Viner, a renowned rhythmic gymnastics coach, further intertwined his life with the worlds of sports and entertainment. Viner has a son, Anton, from a previous marriage, whom Usmanov adopted.

Usmanov’s personal life has also been marked by his affinity for luxury assets, particularly yachts. He owned two yachts named Dilbar, after his mother, reflecting a personal connection to his family. The second Dilbar, purchased in 2015, was one of the largest yachts in the world at the time. However, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the second yacht Dilbar was seized by German authorities. His ownership of luxurious properties and assets, including residences in London and Sardinia, underscores his high net worth and global presence.

Philanthropic Activities

Alisher Usmanov is known for his significant philanthropic contributions across multiple fields. He was recognized by The Sunday Times as the “most generous ‘Rich List’ philanthropist” in 2021 for donating more than £4 billion to charity over two decades. The Russian edition of Forbes also named him “Philanthropist of the Year” in 2012. Usmanov established the Art, Science and Sport Charity Fund to support initiatives in culture, education, and sports. His philanthropic efforts have included supporting education at the National Research University Higher School of Economics and the European University at St Petersburg.

He has also been a trustee of the Russian Geographical Society and the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. His contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the Medal of Honor of Russia, the Order of Friendship of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Order for Service to the Fatherland. These accolades highlight his significant impact and dedication to supporting various causes both within Russia and internationally.

Real Estate Holdings and Assets

Alisher Usmanov’s real estate portfolio reflects his global reach and substantial wealth. He owns multiple properties on the island of Sardinia, including a luxurious villa that was seized by Italian police in March 2022. In addition to properties in Italy, Usmanov also has significant real estate holdings in London. Prior to the sanctions, he owned an £82 million home and a mansion in Surrey, with these assets transferred into irrevocable trusts in 2006.

These properties represent only a portion of his extensive holdings, which are spread across various countries and reflect his international business interests. The seizure of assets, such as his Sardinian villa and the Dilbar yacht, in response to sanctions, illustrates the impact of geopolitical events on his personal and financial holdings. Despite the sanctions, Usmanov retains a significant real estate presence in key locations around the world.

Controversies and Sanctions

Alisher Usmanov’s career and personal life have been marked by controversies, particularly related to his close ties with the Russian government. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he was targeted by the European Union, who froze his assets and imposed a travel ban. These sanctions, along with similar actions by other countries, have had a direct impact on his financial holdings and personal life. The EU’s “Official Journal” has described Usmanov as a “pro-Kremlin oligarch with particularly close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.”

These sanctions, along with investigations into his financial dealings and potential links to corruption, have brought his business practices and personal wealth under scrutiny. The seizure of his luxury yacht, Dilbar, and other assets is a direct consequence of these measures. While these sanctions have had a significant impact on his business and lifestyle, his net worth remains substantial. Despite these challenges, he remains a prominent figure in the global financial landscape, and his actions continue to attract significant attention and analysis.