# Yevgeny Prigozhin

> Russian mercenary leader, oligarch, restaurateur, former owner of Wagner PVC (1961–2023)

**Wikidata**: [Q20850503](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20850503)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yevgeny_Prigozhin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yevgeny-prigozhin

## Summary
Yevgeny Prigozhin was a Russian oligarch, restaurateur, and mercenary leader who founded and led the Wagner Group private military company from its inception in 2014 until his death in 2023. Often referred to as "Putin's chef" due to his catering business supplying the Kremlin, he became a central figure in Russian geopolitical conflicts, earning multiple state decorations and honorary titles from Russia and breakaway republics. His life and career ended abruptly in August 2023 following a plane crash.

## Biography
- **Born:** June 1, 1961 (Saint Petersburg, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union)
- **Nationality:** Russian (also held citizenship of the Soviet Union prior to 1991)
- **Education:** Saint Petersburg State Chemical-Pharmaceutical University (attended)
- **Known for:** Founding the Wagner Group, leading mercenary operations in Ukraine and Africa, and operating a vast catering empire linked to the Russian state.
- **Employer(s):** Concord Management and Consulting (Owner), Wagner Group (Founder/Leader), Saint Petersburg State Chemical-Pharmaceutical University (Alumnus)
- **Field(s):** Private Military Services, Catering, Restaurant Management, Geopolitics

## Contributions
Yevgeny Prigozhin established and operated several significant entities that bridged the gap between Russian state interests and private enterprise:
- **Concord Management and Consulting:** Founded in 1996 in St. Petersburg, this company served as the corporate vehicle for Prigozhin's business empire, including his catering operations that supplied the Russian military and government institutions.
- **Wagner Group:** Established on May 1, 2014, this private military company (PMC) became the primary instrument for Russian proxy warfare, conducting operations in Syria, Ukraine, the Central African Republic, Mali, and Libya.
- **Catering Empire:** Prigozhin built a network of restaurants and catering services, including the "Concord Catering" division, which secured lucrative government contracts to feed schools, the military, and the Kremlin, earning him the moniker "Putin's chef."
- **Political Influence Operations:** Through his network, he facilitated the creation of the Internet Research Agency (implied by context of "expanding network" and US Treasury references), engaging in information warfare and political interference campaigns globally.
- **Military Leadership:** He personally led the Wagner Group's assault on Bakhmut during the Russo-Ukrainian War, a major military campaign that resulted in significant casualties and strategic shifts in the conflict.

## FAQs
**What was Yevgeny Prigozhin's primary role in the Russian government?**
Prigozhin was not an elected official but a powerful oligarch and business owner whose catering company, Concord Management and Consulting, held exclusive contracts to feed the Russian military and government. His close ties to President Vladimir Putin allowed him to expand his influence into the military sphere through the Wagner Group.

**How did Yevgeny Prigozhin die?**
He died on August 23, 2023, when the private jet he was traveling in crashed near Tver, Russia, killing all ten people on board. His death was confirmed by Russian authorities, and his burial took place shortly after on August 29, 2023.

**What awards did Yevgeny Prigozhin receive?**
He was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, the highest honorary title in the country, as well as the Order of Alexander Nevsky and the Order of Courage. Additionally, he received the title of Hero of the Donetsk People's Republic and Hero of the Luhansk People's Republic for his role in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

**What was the relationship between Prigozhin and the Wagner Group?**
Prigozhin was the founder and de facto leader of the Wagner Group, a private military company that operated under his direction from its inception in 2014. He used the group to project Russian power abroad and to fight on the front lines in Ukraine, often acting independently of the Russian Ministry of Defence.

**Where did Yevgeny Prigozhin receive his education?**
He attended the Saint Petersburg State Chemical-Pharmaceutical University, a specialized institution in Saint Petersburg focused on pharmaceutical and chemical sciences, which he attended during his early years before entering business.

## Why They Matter
Yevgeny Prigozhin fundamentally altered the landscape of modern Russian warfare by institutionalizing the use of private military contractors as a tool of state policy. His creation of the Wagner Group allowed the Russian government to project military power, secure mineral resources in Africa, and fight proxy wars in Ukraine and Syria with a degree of plausible deniability that regular state forces could not provide. His ability to mobilize thousands of fighters and sustain long-term combat operations challenged the traditional monopoly of the state on violence within Russia's sphere of influence. Furthermore, his public mutiny against the Russian Ministry of Defence in June 2023 exposed deep fractures within the Russian military hierarchy and demonstrated the volatile nature of the relationship between the Kremlin and its paramilitary assets. Without Prigozhin, the scale and specific operational tactics of Russian mercenary involvement in global conflicts would likely have remained significantly smaller and less organized.

## Notable For
- **Founding the Wagner Group:** Establishing one of the world's most prominent private military companies in 2014.
- **"Putin's Chef":** Gaining global notoriety for his catering business that supplied the Kremlin and Russian military.
- **Hero of the Russian Federation:** Receiving the nation's highest honor for his contributions to the state.
- **Dual Honorary Titles:** Being named a Hero of both the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic.
- **Military Mutiny:** Leading a short-lived armed rebellion against the Russian Ministry of Defence in June 2023.
- **International Sanctions:** Being designated as a key figure in Russian aggression by the US Treasury and other Western entities.
- **Death in a Plane Crash:** Dying in a high-profile aviation accident in August 2023 that killed all aboard.
- **Order of Alexander Nevsky:** Receiving this prestigious state award for his service.
- **Order of Courage:** Being decorated for acts of bravery during military operations.
- **Medal "For the Return of Crimea":** Receiving this military decoration for his role in the 2014 annexation of Crimea.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin was born on June 1, 1961, in Saint Petersburg, then part of the Soviet Union. His early life was marked by a period of incarceration in the late 1970s and early 1980s for crimes including robbery and fraud, though he later reformed and entered the business world. In his youth, he pursued higher education at the Saint Petersburg State Chemical-Pharmaceutical University, a specialized institution founded in 1919 and located in Saint Petersburg. This educational background, while not directly related to his later military or catering ventures, provided him with a foundation in the Russian academic system before he transitioned into entrepreneurship.

### Business Empire and Catering
Prigozhin's rise to prominence began with the food industry. In 1996, he founded Concord Management and Consulting, a company based in St. Petersburg, Russia. This entity became the cornerstone of his business empire, managing a vast network of restaurants and catering services. His catering division, Concord Catering, secured massive government contracts to supply food to Russian schools, the military, and government institutions, including the Kremlin. This close association with the state apparatus earned him the nickname "Putin's chef" in international media. His business operations were extensive, covering the supply of food to the Russian armed forces and playing a critical role in the logistical support of the Russian state. The company's headquarters were located in St. Petersburg, and it operated under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation.

### The Wagner Group and Military Operations
In 2014, Prigozhin founded the Wagner Group, a private military company (PMC) that would become a major instrument of Russian foreign policy. The group was officially established on May 1, 2014, with its headquarters in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Prigozhin led the Wagner Group through numerous conflicts, including the war in Eastern Ukraine, the intervention in Syria, and operations in various African nations such as the Central African Republic, Mali, and Libya. The Wagner Group operated as a paramilitary organization, providing armed security services and engaging in combat operations on behalf of Russian interests. Prigozhin's leadership of the group allowed him to recruit, train, and deploy thousands of fighters, often using prisoners and volunteers. The group's activities were characterized by their brutality and effectiveness, making them a feared force on the battlefield. Prigozhin personally led the Wagner Group's assault on Bakhmut during the Russo-Ukrainian War, a campaign that lasted for months and resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

### Political Influence and Mutiny
Prigozhin's influence extended beyond the battlefield into the political sphere. He was known for his close ties to President Vladimir Putin and his ability to navigate the complex landscape of Russian politics. In June 2023, Prigozhin launched a short-lived mutiny against the Russian Ministry of Defence, accusing the military leadership of incompetence and attacking the Russian army's command structure. This event, known as the Wagner Group mutiny, exposed deep divisions within the Russian military and political elite. Although the mutiny was quickly resolved, it marked a significant moment in Prigozhin's career and highlighted the volatile nature of his relationship with the Kremlin.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Prigozhin received numerous awards and honors from the Russian government and breakaway republics. He was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, the highest honorary title in the country, for his contributions to the state. He also received the Order of Alexander Nevsky, the Order of Courage, the Order of Military Merit, and the Order of Friendship. In addition to Russian awards, he was named a Hero of the Donetsk People's Republic and a Hero of the Luhansk People's Republic for his role in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. He also received the Medal "For the Return of Crimea" for his involvement in the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Other decorations included the Medal "In Commemoration of the 300th Anniversary of Saint Petersburg," the Order of the Two Niles from Sudan, and various orders from the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso.

### Death and Legacy
Yevgeny Prigozhin died on August 23, 2023, when the private jet he was traveling in crashed near Tver, Russia. The crash killed all ten people on board, including Prigozhin and the Wagner Group's top commanders. His death was confirmed by Russian authorities, and his body was buried on August 29, 2023. The circumstances surrounding his death remain a subject of speculation and investigation. Prigozhin's legacy is complex and controversial; he is remembered as a key figure in Russian geopolitics, a successful businessman, and a ruthless military leader. His death marked the end of an era for the Wagner Group, which has since undergone significant changes in leadership and structure. Despite his death, the impact of his work on the global stage continues to be felt, particularly in the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Africa.

### International Designations and Sanctions
Prigozhin and his organizations have been the subject of numerous international sanctions and designations. The United States Treasury Department has designated him and his network as a threat to national security, citing his role in Russian aggression and human rights abuses. The European Parliament, NATO, and several other international bodies have designated Russia as a terrorist state, with Prigozhin's Wagner Group being a primary focus of these designations. His activities have been linked to the destabilization of multiple countries and the violation of international law. Despite these designations, Prigozhin remained a powerful figure in Russia until his death, demonstrating the resilience of his network and the complexity of the Russian political system.

### Personal Details and Identifiers
Prigozhin's full name was Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin, and he was known by various aliases including "Putin's chef," "boucher de Poutine," and "El cocinero de Putin." He held Russian citizenship and was a citizen of the Soviet Union prior to its dissolution. His birth date was June 1, 1961, and his death date was August 23, 2023. He was buried in Saint Petersburg, Russia. His digital footprint included various social media handles and online profiles, and he was featured in numerous media outlets and encyclopedias. His life and career were documented in various languages, including Russian, English, French, German, and Chinese, reflecting his global impact.

## References

1. Catalog of the German National Library
2. [Yevgeny Prigozhin in fatal plane crash, Russian officials say. 2023](https://www.ft.com/content/812c9da3-80f2-4fe1-8fad-0b4441d1977a)
3. [Parkur i galerie umění. Prigožinova rodina si užívá luxusu sankcím navzdory. 2023](https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/zahranicni/jevgenij-prigozin-majetek-luxus-kone-umeni-obchody-sankce.A230427_084315_zahranicni_pitt)
4. [PRIGOZHINA Lyubov Valentinovna - biography, dossier, assets | War and sanctions](https://sanctions.nazk.gov.ua/en/sanction-person/407/)
5. Wagner Head Prigozhin’s Past Life as a Children’s Author and Illustrator
6. [Prigozhina Veronika Evgenievna. 2005](https://www.opensanctions.org/entities/Q117875033/)
7. [Пригожин Евгений Викторович. Delovoy Peterburg](https://whoiswho.dp.ru/cart/person/93639)
8. [Расследование: как личный кулинар Путина накормит армию за 92 млрд рублей. 2013](http://www.forbes.ru/kompanii/potrebitelskii-rynok/235779-rassledovanie-kak-lichnyi-kulinar-putina-nakormit-rossiiskuyu-a)
9. Czech National Authority Database
10. [Along the sanctioned persons: PRIGOZHIN, Yevgeniy Viktorovich](https://sanctions.nazk.gov.ua/en/sanction-person/602/)
11. LittleSis
12. Integrated Authority File
13. [Cgrupa wagnera nie moze zdobyc bachmutu prigozyn komentuje. Polish Press Agency. 2023](https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/news%2C1517364%2Cgrupa-wagnera-nie-moze-zdobyc-bachmutu-prigozyn-komentuje.html)
14. [Russian mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin is buried in private, ending his tumultuous journey](https://apnews.com/article/russia-wagner-prigozhin-putin-burial-dc62a2919f7cfb2d0e63321f6bc1fa1a)
15. [The hot-dog selling warlord who turned Russia’s ‘secret army’ on Vladimir Putin. The Sydney Morning Herald. 2023](https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/the-hot-dog-selling-warlord-who-turned-russia-s-secret-army-on-vladimir-putin-20230625-p5dj88.html)
16. [Wagner PMC founder offers mediation services for settlement in Sudan. TASS. 2020](https://tass.com/politics/1607431)
17. [Source](https://www.occrp.org/en/poy/2022/)
18. [Myrotvorets](https://myrotvorets.center/criminal/prigozhin-evgenij-viktorovich/)
19. [Бурная молодость «кремлевского ресторатора». 2018](http://www.rosbalt.ru/piter/2018/09/21/1733712.html)
20. [Евгений Пригожин мертв. Теперь официально. 2023](https://www.fontanka.ru/2023/08/27/72642245/)
21. [Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin presumed dead after Russia plane crash. 2023](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66599733)
22. [СК подтвердил гибель Пригожина. lenta.ru. 2023](https://lenta.ru/news/2023/08/27/podtv/)
23. [Quiénes son los rusos del círculo íntimo de Vladimir Putin sancionados por EEUU, la UE y Reino Unido](https://www.infobae.com/america/wapo/2022/02/26/quienes-son-los-rusos-del-circulo-intimo-de-vladimir-putin-sancionados-por-eeuu-la-ue-y-reino-unido/)
24. [Пресс-служба Пригожина](https://t.me/concordgroup_official/954)
25. [What could have caused the plane crash that reportedly killed Wagner warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin?. CNN International. 2023](https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/24/europe/prigozhin-wagner-russia-plane-crash-explainer-intl-hnk/index.html)
26. [Prigozhin Killing Ordered by Putin’s Security Council Chief – WSJ. The Moscow Times. 2023](https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/12/22/prigozhin-killing-ordered-by-putins-security-council-chief-wsj-a83526)
27. [Source](https://myrotvorets.center/criminal/prigozhin-evgenij-viktorovich/)
28. [Prigozhin’s criminal past, straight from the source A complete translation of one of the court documents from the case that sent ‘Putin’s chef’ to prison, four decades ago](https://meduza.io/en/feature/2021/06/29/prigozhin-s-criminal-past-straight-from-the-source)
29. [Бурная молодость «кремлевского ресторатора»](https://www.rosbalt.ru/piter/2018/09/21/1733712.html)
30. [Биография Евгения Пригожина: ЧВК «Вагнер», взятие Бахмута, военный мятеж и авиакатастрофа. RIAMO. 2023](https://riamo.ru/article/648162/biografiya-evgeniya-prigozhina-ot-prodavtsa-hot-dogov-do-hozyaina-chvk-vagner-i-vzyatiya-bahmuta)
31. [СМИ: Евгений Пригожин был на переговорах Шойгу с ливийским маршалом](https://www.bbc.com/russian/news-46159367)
32. [Source](https://www.npr.org/2023/03/06/1160851615/russia-putin-chef-yevgeny-prigozhin-wagner-group)
33. [Qui est le 'cuisinier de Poutine' en charge des 'affaires africaines'?. 2019](https://www.bbc.com/afrique/monde-50292018)
34. ["Obama wird in der Hölle brennen". 2014](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/propaganda-aus-russland-putins-trolle-1.1997470-2)
35. ["El cocinero de Putin": Yevgeny Prigozhin, el poderoso fundador del Grupo Wagner que desafió al gobierno de Moscú con sus tropas](https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-internacional-64290503)
36. [El poderoso ‘chef’ de Putin ahoga en demandas a sus enemigos. 2020](https://elpais.com/internacional/2020-11-30/el-poderoso-chef-de-putin.html)
37. [‘Poetin’s chef’ wil 50 miljard dollar schadevergoeding](https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200319_04896192)
38. [«Фонтанка»: при обыске в офисе Пригожина нашли слитки золота, белый порошок и фальшивые паспорта с его фотографиями](https://meduza.io/news/2023/06/24/fontanka-pri-obyske-v-ofise-prigozhina-nashli-slitki-zolota-belyy-poroshok-i-falshivye-pasporta-s-ego-fotografiyami)
39. [Prigojine, le boucher de Poutine, finira-t-il par avoir sa peau ? Ses ambitions inquiètent jusqu'à Moscou. 2023](https://www.moustique.be/actu/monde/2023/05/25/prigojine-le-boucher-de-poutine-aux-ambitions-de-plus-en-plus-inquietantes-262815)
40. [Evguéni Prigojine: appelez-moi le « boucher de Poutine ». 2023](https://www.lesoleil.com/monde/guerre-en-ukraine/2023/06/24/evgueni-prigojine-appelez-moi-le-boucher-de-poutine-Y5MGK466NNCVDJLO7F6VKPYTVA/)
41. ["Complément d'enquête". Prigojine, le boucher de Poutine. 2023](https://www.francetvinfo.fr/replay-magazine/france-2/complement-d-enquete/complement-d-enquete-prigojine-le-boucher-de-poutine_5848730.html)
42. [Jewgienij Prigożyn. Gangster, właściciel budek z hot-dogami, "kucharz Putina". 2023](https://www.newsweek.pl/swiat/jewgienij-prigozyn-kim-jest-wlasciciel-grupy-wagnera/37mrmls)
43. [Chi è Yevgeny Prigozhin, il capo del gruppo Wagner. 2023](https://www.ilpost.it/2023/08/24/yevgeny-prigozhin/)
44. BBC Things
45. Geni.com
46. [Russian mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin is buried in private, ending his tumultuous journey. Associated Press. 2023](https://apnews.com/article/russia-wagner-prigozhin-putin-burial-dc62a2919f7cfb2d0e63321f6bc1fa1a)
47. [Source](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FR/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L:2022:042I:FULL&from=FR)
48. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/26/putin-ally-yevgeny-prigozhin-admits-founding-wagner-mercenary-group)