Maxim Viktorov
Maxim Valerievich Viktorov | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 22, 1972 Moscow, Russia |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, philanthropist, public figure |
| Known for | Member of the Public Chamber of Russia; First deputy chairman of the Presidium of Russian Association for the Advancement of Science; Chairman of the Board for the Investment Programs Foundation; Managing partner at Legal Intelligence Group; Founder of Moscow International Paganini Violin Competition; Faculty member at NRU-HSE |
Maxim Valerievich Viktorov (; born June 22, 1972, Moscow) is a prominent Russian lawyer, philanthropist, and public figure. He holds a position as a member of the Public Chamber of Russia and acts as the first deputy chairman of the Presidium within the Russian Association for the Advancement of Science. Previously, Viktorov served as an advisor to the Russian Ministry of Defense. He leads as chairman of the Board for the Investment Programs Foundation and is a managing partner at Legal Intelligence Group, a legal consultancy. Additionally, he established the Moscow International Paganini Violin Competition and is a faculty member at NRU-HSE (National Research University Higher School of Economics).
Designated by Presidential Decree, he participates in the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation.
Biography
- Born on June 22, 1972, in Moscow
- Completed his studies in 1997 at the Law Faculty of Moscow State University named after M. Lomonosov
- 1989–1990: Internship at the Investigative Department of the RSFSR Prosecutor’s Office
- 1991–1992: Served in the armed forces under the Federal Agency for Governmental Communications and Information
- 1992–1996: Legal advisor to the chairman of the Moscow Region Government
- Since 1996: Managing partner at Legal Intelligence Group alongside Professors Makovskiy A.L. and Sukhanov E.A.
- February 1998: Executive secretary for the council on banks and banking activities under the governor of Moscow region
- 1998: Appointed deputy chairman of the Election Commission for Moscow region
- Since 1999: Chairman of the Board at Investment Programs Foundation, focusing on innovative projects related to global trends and risk management
- 2000–2003: Served on the advisory council addressing National Security Issues within the Federal Assembly – Parliament of Russia
- 2005–2008: Deputy chairman of the advisory Council on Mass Communications at Russia’s Ministry of Culture and Mass Communications
- Since 2006: Trustee member for both Moscow Suvorov Military School and the Foundation of Prince Michael of Kent
- 2007–2009: Served as trustee at the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia
- Since 2008: Participant in the Public Chamber Commission dedicated to Science and Innovation
- Since 2009: Member of the Public Advancement Committee for Russian Libraries; chairs editorial board for "Union Magazine," which focuses on global development challenges and risks
- 2009–2011: Trustee at Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts; board member across multiple enterprises including OJSC "Moscow Oil and Gas Company," OJSC "Moscow Oil Refinery," Moscow NPZ Holdings BV, Sibir Energy PLC, JSC "KSK"; also chaired Evocorp’s board
- Since 2011: Council member supporting the Russian Olympic Committee; first deputy chairman of Russian Association for the Advancement of Science (a counterpart to AAAS), co-founded with Academicians Velikhov, Alferov, Chereshnev, among others
- Since 2017: Owner of Evocorp Management Company; notably, in spring 2020, Evocorp attracted media attention as a shareholder in a COVID-19 test manufacturer linked to Vladimir Putin’s inner circle
Fund investment programs
Backed by presidential endorsement and assistance from the Ministry of Culture, Maxim Viktorov’s Foundation administers multiple federal and regional humanitarian initiatives. It provides scholarships targeted at children whose parents served or died in military or law enforcement roles.
Since its inception in 2007, the Foundation has developed the Moscow Cultural and Educational Center "Art House," which includes a concert venue and art exhibition spaces. It has organized distinguished concerts internationally, such as “Masterpieces of Art of the Violin on Red Square” celebrating Moscow’s 860th anniversary in 2007, followed by the “Ex-Vieuxtemps in Moscow” series in 2008. In November 2008, Viktorov arranged “Homage Guarneri del Gesu,” succeeded by inaugurating “December Nights of Sviatoslav Richter” at Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts.
In September 2010, during the International Military Music Festival "Spasskaya Tower," the Foundation hosted a classical music performance within Alexander Hall at the Moscow Kremlin.
Moscow International Paganini Violin Competition
Established by Maxim Viktorov in 2003, the Moscow International Paganini Violin Competition swiftly achieved international acclaim. CNN recognized it as a testament to Russia’s exceptional music education system. Presently, the contest draws participants representing more than 40 nations.
Moscow Suvorov Military School
Since 2007, Viktorov has served as a board trustee and has been instrumental in financing significant upgrades at the Moscow Suvorov Military School, notably overseeing the development of a new sports facility through his sponsorship.
Russian Public Chamber
In his role managing interactions with the OSCE Public Chamber, Viktorov addresses critical matters concerning Russia’s adherence to international agreements, working closely with OSCE officials dedicated to combating human trafficking.
Legislative and advisory activities
Viktorov played a key role in formulating laws designed to prevent illegal appropriation of property complexes and produced comprehensive analyses on insider trading, market price manipulation, and corporate governance offenses. Leading the Legal Research Group, he facilitates international cooperation—including partnerships with Harvard University experts—and promotes collaboration between Russia’s Investigative Committee and the FBI.
Awards and commendations
His accolades include the "medal for military cooperation," the commemorative medal marking Moscow’s 850th anniversary, numerous state and public distinctions, as well as honors from foreign governments. Additionally, he has received official recognition from the Russian FSB.
Collecting
Viktorov possesses the largest private assortment of rare musical instruments in Russia, featuring violins crafted by renowned makers such as Alessandro Gagliano, Carlo Tononi, Jacob Steiner, Carlo Bergonzi, Antonio Stradivari, and Giuseppe Guarneri Del Gesu.
Union Magazine vs OCCRP
From June 20 to 22, 2023, details regarding Maxim Viktorov and his enterprises were featured in over a hundred international media outlets, referencing the Russian-language platform "Important Stories" and OCCRP. In July 2023, Union Magazine—operated by the Investment Programs Foundation—released a documentary challenging alleged legal infringements and journalistic misconduct attributed to OCCRP. The film contested these accusations and accused "Important Stories" and OCCRP of disseminating misinformation and fostering animosity.
Simultaneously, the Investment Programs Foundation redirected Union Magazine’s mission towards probing individuals posing as journalists who breach human rights and violate global journalistic principles. The documentary underscored that cultural misunderstandings represent worldwide risks and stressed the necessity of universal standards grounded in international law, including the UN Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
It condemned those who manipulate public opinion, exert undue influence on institutions, incite hatred, inflict economic harm, and exacerbate social divisions. The film advocated for identifying and curtailing such unlawful conduct to safeguard societal unity.