New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India on a two-day official trip starting 4 December. Amid diplomatic and business discussions, global attention has also turned to the enigmatic fortune of the 73-year-old leader, who is considered one of the world’s wealthiest politicians.
Official Income vs. Hidden Wealth
According to reports by The Week, Putin officially earns $140,000 per year (around ₹1.26 crore). His declared assets include a modest 800-square-foot apartment, a trailer, and three cars. However, experts believe this only scratches the surface, as much of his wealth is reportedly hidden.
Estimated Net Worth
Speculation suggests Putin’s net worth could reach $200 billion (approx. ₹18,000 billion), according to Bill Browder, a prominent foreign investor and financier in Russia. Browder links this fortune to the imprisonment of Russian oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky in 2003, suggesting that Putin amassed substantial assets during that period.
Luxurious Residences and Palaces
While his declared property is limited, rumors abound about his vast real estate holdings. One such property is a 190,000-square-foot fortress-like mansion on the Black Sea, often referred to as “Putin’s rural cottage,” along with 19 other residences collectively valued at $1.4 billion.
The Black Sea mansion features:
- Elaborate ceiling paintings and walls adorned with Greek god statues
- A swimming pool and luxurious bathrooms equipped with an $850 Italian toilet brush and a $1,250 toilet paper holder
- Around 40 full-time staff for maintenance
- Annual upkeep costing roughly $2 million
Passion for Luxury Watches and Aircraft
Putin is frequently seen wearing high-end luxury watches worth several times his declared annual salary. Reports also claim he owns multiple homes, hundreds of cars, and dozens of aircraft and helicopters. Among them is “The Flying Kremlin,” a $716 million aircraft with a golden toilet valued at $75,000 (approx. ₹67 lakh).
The 22-Car “Ghost Train”
In addition, Putin reportedly owns a 22-car armored train, nicknamed the “Ghost Train,” featuring:
- Gym and spa facilities with anti-aging machines
- Turkish bath steam rooms
- Lavish bedrooms, dining cars, and even a private movie theater
- Life-saving medical equipment
The construction of this train is estimated at $74 million.
The Mystery of His Fortune
The origins of Putin’s wealth remain shrouded in secrecy. Reports suggest that he may have coerced Russia’s top businessmen into handing over cash and company shares, with refusal allegedly resulting in arrest or worse. According to CNN, Browder has claimed that much of Putin’s fortune is the result of forced expropriation and large-scale misappropriation of public funds.
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