Boris Berezovsky, Russian-English businessman and mathematician (d. 2013)

Boris Abramovich Berezovsky (Russian: Борис Абрамович Березовский; born 23 January 1946, died 23 March 2013), sometimes identified by his alias Platon Elenin, was a prominent Russian business oligarch, influential government official, and a distinguished engineer and mathematician. His academic contributions were recognized through his membership in the Russian Academy of Sciences, reflecting a background that blended scientific rigor with sharp business acumen.

The Rise of an Oligarch: Fortune in Post-Soviet Russia

Berezovsky amassed his vast fortune in Russia during the 1990s, a tumultuous yet opportunity-rich period marked by the country's transition to a market economy through the large-scale privatization of state-owned enterprises. He skillfully capitalized on these reforms, particularly benefiting from the controversial "loans-for-shares" scheme, which allowed a select few, including Berezovsky, to acquire significant stakes in valuable state assets at often undervalued prices. This mechanism enabled him to gain control over numerous strategic assets, including key media outlets such as the country's main television channel, Channel One (then known as ORT).

Controlling Information: The Power of Media Ownership

His control over Channel One was particularly significant. In the nascent democracy of 1990s Russia, media ownership translated directly into substantial political influence and leverage. By dominating a major national broadcaster, Berezovsky wielded immense power over public opinion and political discourse, making him a kingmaker and a central figure in the intricate power dynamics of the era. By 1997, his financial success was widely recognized, with Forbes magazine estimating Berezovsky's net worth at an impressive US$3 billion, placing him among Russia's wealthiest individuals.

Political Engagement and Eventual Opposition

Berezovsky was not merely a businessman; he was deeply entangled in the political landscape. He played a pivotal role in the formation and funding of the Unity political party, which would become the crucial parliamentary base for Vladimir Putin's initial ascent to power. Riding on Putin's slate, Berezovsky was elected to the Duma (the lower house of the Russian parliament) in the 1999 Russian legislative election, signifying his direct involvement in state governance and his initial alignment with the new political trajectory. However, following the Russian presidential election in March 2000, a significant ideological rift emerged. Berezovsky quickly transitioned into outspoken opposition to Vladimir Putin's increasingly centralized and authoritarian policies. His public disagreement with the government's handling of the Kursk submarine disaster in August 2000 further solidified his critical stance. Demonstrating his strong conviction, Berezovsky resigned from the Duma and remained a vocal and persistent critic of Putin's administration for the remainder of his life, often leveraging his media platforms and considerable influence to articulate his dissent.

Exile and International Legal Battles

The growing animosity between Berezovsky and the Russian government culminated in his self-imposed exile. In late 2000, after the Russian Deputy Prosecutor General issued a summons demanding his appearance for questioning, Berezovsky chose not to return from abroad, instead relocating to the United Kingdom. In 2003, the UK government granted him political asylum, acknowledging the potential political motivation behind the charges against him. This decision exacerbated diplomatic tensions between London and Moscow, which viewed the UK's action as sheltering a fugitive. Following his move to Britain, the Russian government swiftly moved to seize control of his television assets and other significant Russian holdings. In Russia, Berezovsky was subsequently convicted in absentia on multiple charges of fraud and embezzlement. These charges had initially been brought as early as 1999, during the government of Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov. Despite an Interpol Red Notice being issued for Berezovsky's arrest, Russia's repeated attempts to secure his extradition from Britain proved unsuccessful, transforming his case into a major and persistent point of friction in Russia-UK relations, highlighting fundamental differences in legal and political principles.

High-Stakes Litigation in London: The Sibneft Case

Berezovsky's time in exile was also marked by high-profile legal battles. In 2012, he engaged in a monumental London High Court case against his former associate, Roman Abramovich, concerning the ownership of the major oil producer Sibneft. Berezovsky sought over £3 billion in damages, claiming he was a co-owner and had acted as a political " крыша" (krysha, or 'roof' providing protection and influence) for Abramovich's business ventures in exchange for a stake in the company. However, the court ultimately ruled against Berezovsky, concluding that he had never been a co-owner of Sibneft. The presiding judge, Mrs. Justice Gloster, found Berezovsky to be an "unimpressive and unreliable" witness, a judgment that significantly undermined his reputation and effectively ended his claims against Abramovich.

The Mysterious Death and Open Verdict

Boris Berezovsky was tragically found dead at his home, Titness Park, located in Sunninghill, near Ascot in Berkshire, England, on 23 March 2013. A post-mortem examination determined that his death was consistent with hanging, with no signs of a violent struggle observed. However, the circumstances surrounding his death remained unclear. The coroner at the subsequent inquest into Berezovsky's death eventually recorded an open verdict. An "open verdict" in UK law indicates that while the death is known, the precise cause or circumstances leading to it could not be definitively determined, leaving room for possibilities beyond suicide, such as accidental death or even unlawful killing, without sufficient evidence to prove one over the others. Given Berezovsky's controversial past, his numerous powerful adversaries, and his ongoing criticism of the Russian government, his death immediately sparked widespread speculation and conspiracy theories, particularly in light of other mysterious deaths of Russian exiles in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boris Berezovsky

Who was Boris Berezovsky?

Boris Berezovsky was a powerful Russian business oligarch, politician, and mathematician who amassed considerable wealth during Russia's 1990s privatization, gained significant influence through media ownership, and later became a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin, leading to his exile in the UK.

How did Boris Berezovsky make his fortune?

He made his fortune in the 1990s by acquiring stakes in privatized state assets, notably through the "loans-for-shares" scheme, and gaining control over key media outlets like Channel One.

Why did Boris Berezovsky go into opposition against Vladimir Putin?

Berezovsky initially supported Putin but went into opposition due to disagreements over Putin's increasing centralization of power and his handling of key national events, such as the Kursk submarine disaster, marking a fundamental ideological clash.

Why was Boris Berezovsky granted political asylum in the UK?

The UK granted him political asylum in 2003 after he fled Russia to avoid questioning, acknowledging that the charges against him by the Russian authorities might have been politically motivated rather than purely criminal.

What was the outcome of the Sibneft case between Berezovsky and Roman Abramovich?

Berezovsky lost the high-profile London High Court case in 2012, where he sought over £3 billion in damages from Roman Abramovich. The court concluded that Berezovsky was never a co-owner of Sibneft and found his testimony to be unreliable.

What was the official ruling regarding Boris Berezovsky's death?

A post-mortem examination found his death consistent with hanging, but the coroner at the inquest recorded an "open verdict," meaning the precise circumstances of his death could not be definitively determined, leaving room for uncertainty.