FBK / Workforce Navalny Web site
A brand new investigation by the Anti-Corruption Basis (FBK)—a non-profit group established by imprisoned opposition politician Alexei Navalny—has unearthed pictures allegedly displaying the obscenely gaudy seaside palace lengthy rumored to belong to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The luxurious getaway, situated outdoors the resort city of Gelendzhik on the Black Sea, reportedly boasts a on line casino, a personal theater, and a weird hookah lounge full with a pole-dancing stage.
FBK
Emblems of the Russian double-headed eagle image, the principle ingredient of the coat of arms of the Russian Empire, are omnipresent all through the palatial property, together with in what seems to be the personal dancing room. They stick out like a sore thumb, together with a stripper pole that stands in stark distinction with the picture of royal opulence the palace initiatives. Pink and tan pillows are strewn on the ground, to supply extra rest in between annexations.
FBK
The FBK report, which was unveiled on Thursday, follows one other explosive investigation by the group in regards to the palace launched final yr. On the time, the huge construction was in means of being reworked, reportedly because of the unfold of mildew brought on by design flaws. Along with the precise pictures and blueprints leaked by unnamed individuals possible concerned in development or transforming of the big abode, Navalny’s workforce produced 3-D pictures of what among the rooms would possibly appear to be as soon as the overhaul was accomplished. Lots of the pictures revealed on this new batch of leaks seem like according to the renderings revealed within the earlier report.
FBK
Kremlin-funded networks dismissed and criticized the wildly well-liked 2021 video, which boasted over 121 million views. Infamous Kremlin propagandist Dmitry Kiselyov denied that Putin owns a palace and praised the Russian president as a humble, unassuming man who doesn’t personal a lot, apart from a couple of fits and shirts.
Russian propagandists claimed that the palace was really a resort and alleged that Navalny’s group didn’t hit the mark with its recreations of the interiors. Russian oligarch Arkady Rotenberg, a billionaire intently linked to Putin, finally claimed to be the proprietor of the mansion. Commenting on the property to the web-based media outlet Mash, Rotenberg succinctly added: “I’m already underneath sanctions.” In different phrases, by claiming the property as his personal, Putin’s shut buddy was not risking any severe penalties.
The YouTube video of the brand new exposé has already racked up greater than 2 million views. A complete of 479 pictures reportedly depicting Putin’s garish palace have been launched by FBK to this point.
FBK
Price noting, too, is that casinos, just like the one featured within the picture leak, are unlawful all through a lot of the nation. Putin’s alleged pool is so monumental, one Twitter commentator in contrast it to a subway station in Moscow. The palatial “music room” options 18 double-headed eagles and sky-high ceilings.
FBK
Putin has lengthy been advocating for Russia’s billionaires and millionaires to park their wealth at residence. As his battle in opposition to the West continues to select up steam, Russia’s high-flying president appears to be main by instance along with his alleged ostentatious abode.
In the meantime, Russia’s armed forces are believed to be getting ready to invading extra of Ukraine, which might result in extreme sanctions with “catastrophic” penalties for the nation’s weak financial system, as effectively for common Russian residents, most of whom have neither billions nor castles.