Russian Oligarchs
Date: 07 March 2022 Tags: MiscellaneousIssue
US President Joe Biden has announced the intention to form a taskforce to go after Russian Oligarchs.
Background
Many western countries are imposing sanctions on Russian companies and individuals for invasion of Ukraine.
Details
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Oligarchy is a form of governance in which a country is ruled by a group of few rich and powerful people. The ruler is called Oligarch.
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The term in Russia has all new different meaning. Oligarchs are businesspeople having close ties to the ruling establishment in the country.
Evolution of Oligarchy in Russia
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This class of individuals arose after the collapse of the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1991. They used their connection to the ruling establishment in Russia to gain wealth.
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They were aided by the vast privatization and economic reforms in Russia immediately after the collapse of the USSR.
Targeted Oligarchs
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Opposition leader of Russia, Alexei Navalny, has provided a list of 35 individuals having close tie with President Putin.
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The US has used the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) law to impose sanctions on individuals and entities.
Impact of move
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US President Biden announced that Washington will collaborate with its European allies to seize yachts, luxury apartments and private jets of Oligarchs obtained through ill wealth.
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Following seizure of several properties, many Oligarchs are moving their yachts to countries such as Montenegro and Maldives.