Igor Kesaev
Igor Kesaev | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 30, 1966 Ordzhonikidze (now Vladikavkaz), North Ossetia, Russia |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Owner and president of Mercury Group |
Igor Albertovich Kesaev (; born 30 October 1966) is a prominent Russian billionaire engaged in the retail sector. He serves as the owner and president of Mercury Group (), which oversees Megapolis Group, recognized as Russia's foremost tobacco distribution company. His business portfolio also encompasses arms manufacturers and various retail enterprises.
Kesaev is believed to maintain affiliations with Russian security organizations, including the FSB and the GRU.
Net worth
In the Forbes 2022 ranking of billionaires, Kesaev was placed at number 1196, with an estimated net worth near US$2.6 billion.
Personal life
Born in Ordzhonikidze (currently Vladikavkaz), located in North Ossetia, Kesaev hails from the influential Ossetian family Kesaevs (ХЪЕСАТÆ) originating from Zakka Gorge. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Moscow Institute of International Relations.
Sanctions
Due to Russia's military actions in Ukraine, Canada imposed sanctions on Kesaev under the Special Economic Measures Act. In 2022, both the European Union and the United Kingdom enacted sanctions against him, referencing his significant economic connections to state security and military figures through his corporate ventures. The United States added him to its sanctions list in May 2023.
On 27 June 2024, Cyprus annulled Kesaev's citizenship; he had acquired Cypriot nationality on 25 May 2012 during the presidency of Demetris Christofias.