Ural Rakhimov
Ural Rakhimov | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 13, 1961 Ufa, Russia |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Known for | Key positions at Bashneft, founder of Bashkir Capital, former owner of Salavat Yulaev Ufa ice hockey club |
Ural Murtazovich Rakhimov (; , Räximov Ural Mortaza ulı; born 13 December 1961) is a Bashkir-origin entrepreneur from Russia. In 2011, he was listed as the 191st wealthiest individual in Russia, with an estimated fortune of US$500 million.
Biography
Rakhimov was born in Ufa and is the sole male offspring of Murtaza Rakhimov, the former head of Bashkortostan. He completed his studies at Ufa State Petroleum Technological University in 1984, then earned a Master of Science degree at the French Petroleum Institute, followed by another master's qualification obtained in the United States. His professional endeavors have been predominantly associated with Bashneft, where he occupied key positions. In 2003, he spearheaded the establishment of Bashkir Capital. Additionally, from 2009 until early 2010, he held ownership of the Salavat Yulaev Ufa ice hockey club.
Criminal prosecution
A criminal investigation targeting Rakhimov commenced in April 2014. By August that year, he faced formal charges in absentia accusing him of laundering money and significant embezzlement connected to the unlawful acquisition and laundering of shares in Bashneft. During privatization phases in 2005 and 2009, companies under his control transferred assets within the Bashkir fuel and energy industry to AFK Sistema.
In September 2014, Rakhimov was added to an international wanted list. Austria received a request for his extradition in May 2015; nevertheless, in March 2016, the Regional Criminal Court in Vienna refused extradition on grounds that the allegations were politically motivated. Investigations into the matter persisted at least until October 2017.