A long-time friend of Putin who has been described as one of his confidants, Timchenko is also Russia’s sixth-richest oligarch. He co-founded one of the largest crude oil traders, Gunvor, which until recently traded much of Russia’s oil, and is a shareholder in Bank Rossiya, considered the personal bank of senior officials of the Russian Federation. The bank was sanctioned for aiding the destabilization of Ukraine and the consolidation of Crimea into Russia.

Rumors have circulated that Timchenko is financially connected to Putin. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, which sanctioned him for these links in 2014, “Timchenko’s activities in the energy sector have been directly linked to Putin. Putin has investments in Gunvor and may have access to Gunvor funds.”

Elena Timchenko (wife)