Mikhail Fridman
Mikhail Fridman is a Russian-Israeli billionaire businessman and investor who co-founded Alfa Group, a major Russian private business consortium.
Alfa Group: Alfa Group is a privately held Russian business consortium with interests in banking, telecommunications, and other sectors. Fridman co-founded the consortium and built much of his business career through it.
TNK-BP: TNK-BP was a Russian oil company formed in 2003 through a partnership between BP and the Alfa-Access-Renova consortium. Its creation and 2013 sale brought Fridman’s group major proceeds and international visibility.
Russian invasion of Ukraine: The Russian invasion of Ukraine is the full-scale military assault launched by Russia on 24 February 2022. The invasion triggered sanctions against Fridman and intensified scrutiny of Russian-linked business owners.
European Union General Court: The General Court is a court of the European Union that hears many challenges to EU institutions’ decisions. It reviewed Fridman’s challenge to his EU listing and annulled the initial listing in 2024.
Alfa-Bank: Alfa-Bank is a Russian commercial bank founded in 1990 and later renamed Alfa-Bank. The bank became Alfa Group’s best-known financial asset under Fridman’s leadership.
AAR Consortium: AAR was the consortium of Alfa Group, Access Industries, and Renova that partnered with BP in TNK-BP. Fridman represented Alfa Group within the ownership partnership that controlled TNK-BP alongside BP.
European Union sanctions: European Union sanctions are restrictive measures imposed by the EU on states, organizations, and individuals. The EU listed Fridman after the invasion, freezing assets and restricting his travel.
Court of Justice of the European Union: The Court of Justice of the European Union is the EU’s highest court, overseeing the interpretation and application of EU law. Its appeal process can determine whether the General Court’s ruling on Fridman’s listing stands.
Petr Aven: Petr Aven is a Russian businessman and politician who led Alfa-Bank and partnered with Fridman in business. Aven was one of Fridman’s closest partners in Alfa Group and its banking business.
VimpelCom: VimpelCom, now VEON, is a telecommunications company that grew from a Russian mobile operator into an international group. Alfa Group’s telecommunications investments expanded Fridman’s business beyond banking and oil.