Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ramzan Kadyrov’s Net Worth?
Ramzan Kadyrov, the Head of the Chechen Republic since 2007, has an estimated net worth of $100 million. This figure, while widely circulated, is difficult to verify precisely due to the opaque nature of Kadyrov’s financial dealings.
Sources of Ramzan Kadyrov’s Wealth
Kadyrov’s net worth is believed to stem from a combination of official salary, control over substantial Chechen state resources, and alleged misappropriation of federal subsidies. His official annual salary is reportedly under 5 million roubles, equivalent to approximately $80,000 per year.
However, various sources indicate a far greater level of wealth. Russian opposition leader Ilya Yashin has alleged that Kadyrov has amassed significant personal wealth through the theft of federal subsidies intended for Chechnya. The United States Treasury Department has stated that Kadyrov has accumulated “extreme wealth as a result of his relationship to Vladimir Putin.” The Treasury Department also notes the existence of a mansion owned by Kadyrov in the United Arab Emirates, along with “expensive private vehicles, and a lavish slush fund.”
Russia subsidizes Chechnya with approximately $6.5 billion per year, intended to cover around 80% of the region’s annual operating budgets and infrastructure. Some of these funds are allegedly channeled through the Akhmad Kadyrov Foundation, a purported charity named after his father. This foundation is said to be used for various expenditures, including public buildings, vehicles, and potentially other lifestyle expenses for Kadyrov and his associates.
Real Estate Holdings
While specific addresses are scarce in publicly available information, the U.S. Treasury Department mentions a mansion owned by Ramzan Kadyrov in the United Arab Emirates. The precise location, size, and value of this property are not disclosed.
An investigative report by OCCRP.org revealed that Kadyrov’s second wife, Fatima Khazuyeva, owns three apartments in Moscow with a combined value of $5 million. The exact addresses of these apartments are not publicly available. These apartments are located in Moscow. While not directly owned by Kadyrov, their ownership by a close family member further suggests the scale of his financial resources.
Kadyrov has authorized the construction of a presidential palace in Grozny on the grounds of destroyed downtown Grozny. However, the cost of the palace and its impact on Kadyrov’s net worth are not publicly detailed.
Automobile Collection
Ramzan Kadyrov is known for possessing an extensive collection of luxury vehicles, which contributes to his perceived wealth and image of extravagance. One notable vehicle in his collection is a Lamborghini Reventón, valued at approximately $2 million. Only 20 of these vehicles were ever produced, making it a rare and highly valuable asset.
Details about other vehicles in his collection are not readily available, but the presence of such an expensive and exclusive car suggests a considerable investment in luxury automobiles.
Political Career and Influence
Ramzan Kadyrov’s career trajectory began after the assassination of his father, Akhmad Kadyrov, in 2004. He was appointed as the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Chechen Republic following his father’s death. In late 2005, he became the caretaker prime minister, which enabled him to exert his influence by enforcing elements of Sharia law and banning Danish citizens from entering Chechnya in early 2006.
In early 2007, Vladimir Putin appointed Kadyrov as the Head of the Chechen Republic, which allowed him to build a vertical structure of power by assigning his family members to leading positions in his administration. Kadyrov has been nominated to second and third terms by Russian presidents Dmitry Medvedev in 2011 and in 2016, respectively.
Kadyrov’s rule has been marked by human rights abuses, including the suppression of political dissidents, torture, and extrajudicial killings. He allegedly participated in Russian operations during the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Controversies and Allegations
Ramzan Kadyrov’s financial activities have been the subject of considerable scrutiny and controversy. Allegations of corruption and the misappropriation of funds have cast a shadow over his leadership and financial dealings. The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Kadyrov, citing his accumulation of “extreme wealth as a result of his relationship to Vladimir Putin.”
The Akhmad Kadyrov Foundation, a charity organization named after Kadyrov’s father, has also come under scrutiny. It is alleged that the foundation is used to funnel money for various purposes, including the construction of public buildings, the purchase of vehicles, and the funding of other lifestyle expenses for Kadyrov and his associates.
In October 2011, the Akhmad Kadyrov Fund organized a lavish 35th birthday party for Ramzan Kadyrov. Numerous celebrities, including Seal, Hilary Swank, and Jean-Claude Van Damme, were reportedly paid substantial appearance fees to attend the event. Hilary Swank apologized for attending and reportedly donated her fee to a human rights charity.
In 2005, Kadyrov stormed the Khasavyurt City Police building with about 150 armed men when his sister was detained. This incident shows how Kadyrov has abused his power throughout his career.
Education and Academic Achievements
Ramzan Kadyrov received a law degree from the Makhachkala Institute of Business and Law in 2004, the same year he was appointed First Deputy Prime Minister. He obtained a Candidate of Sciences degree in economics from Dagestan State Technical University a couple of years later. In 2015, Kadyrov earned a Doctor of Sciences degree in economics from Dagestan State University.
Personal Life
Ramzan Kadyrov married Medni Musaevna, a fashion designer, in 1996. Together, they have 12 children, including Adam, Eli, Aishat, Khutmat, Khadizhat, and Ashura.
Kadyrov is known for promoting polygamy in Muslim-majority Russian republics. He reportedly has two other wives named Fatima Khazuyeva and Aminat Akhmadova. Kadyrov reportedly met his second wife Fatima in 2006 when she was 14 and competing in a beauty pageant.
Kadyrov’s hobbies include horse racing, boxing, and mixed martial arts. He is the owner of Fight Club Akhmat, founded in 2014 and named after his father. Kadyrov has been involved in controversies related to mixed martial arts, including a tournament he organized featuring underage children.
As the Head of the Chechen Republic, Kadyrov has sought to project an image of machismo and extravagant wealth. He has often posed with guns and military regalia and shown off his opulent possessions, including luxury sports cars, watches, and mansions. It is difficult to determine the precise value of his belongings but his official salary is under $80,000 per year.
Conclusion
Estimates of Ramzan Kadyrov’s net worth vary. While his official salary is modest, allegations of corruption and the misappropriation of funds suggest a significantly higher level of wealth. His association with luxury vehicles, real estate holdings, and control over Chechen state resources contribute to the perception of his wealth. The $100 million figure is often cited but difficult to independently verify.
