For years, Ilya Dimov was a man without a story. While he was one of Russia’s richest individuals and the owner of a major company tied to Gazprom, he kept a low profile, and little was known about him. However, an investigation by The Insider has uncovered important details about Dimov and his connections to powerful figures in Russia.
Who Is Ilya Dimov?
Ilya Dimov owns Stroiproektservice, one of the largest contractors for Gazprom, the state-run gas company in Russia. Despite making a staggering income—over 25 billion rubles (around $277 million) in 2023—he had never been in the public eye. His name even appeared on Forbes Magazine’s list of Russia’s top earners, yet no one knew what he looked like until now.
Connections to Powerful Figures
Dimov’s rise to wealth and power is linked to some of the most influential people in Russia. He has close ties to Gennady Timchenko, a longtime friend of President Vladimir Putin, and to Alexey Miller, the CEO of Gazprom. Remarkably, even with the sanctions imposed on many wealthy Russians, Dimov and his company have remained untouched, allowing them to continue working on major international projects for Gazprom.
The Enigmatic Businessman
Stroiproektservice, Dimov’s company, specializes in providing logistical services for the construction of gas pipelines. Since Dimov took over in 2014, the company has been involved in high-profile projects like the Power of Siberia and Nord Stream 2. Interestingly, before founding Stroiproektservice, Dimov worked for Timchenko and Kovalchuk, two prominent oligarchs who were sanctioned after the U.S. placed restrictions on leading Russian billionaires.
A Life of Luxury
Despite his low profile, Dimov enjoys a luxurious lifestyle. He was previously involved in the restaurant business and has close friendships with influential people, including Alexey Miller’s stepdaughter, Svetlana Kuznetsova. The two families are neighbors and often vacation together in exotic locations, traveling on private jets owned by Gazprom.
Avoiding Sanctions
While many of Dimov’s connections have faced sanctions, he has managed to avoid them, allowing him to travel freely in Europe. His company has continued to receive contracts from Gazprom, significantly increasing its revenue. For instance, in its first year under Dimov’s leadership, the company’s revenue grew twenty-fold. This has raised concerns about potential corruption, as his close relationship with Miller’s family provides him exclusive access to lucrative contracts.
Ilya Dimov is a fascinating figure whose story reveals the complex web of connections among Russia’s wealthy elite. As one of the key players in Gazprom’s operations, his ability to navigate the political landscape while avoiding sanctions raises important questions about power, influence, and corruption in Russia today. The Insider’s investigation shines a light on a man who had long remained in the shadows, revealing the intricate ties that keep him and his company thriving amid a challenging political climate.
