Russian tech entrepreneur involved in $93 million theft jailed in US, receives call from Putin

Vladislav Klyushin, a Russian tech executive, faced a challenging day when he received a tough nine-year sentence in a US federal prison and forfeited $34 million. Despite the grim situation, Klyushin remained composed and maintained his optimism, certain that his connections within the Kremlin would intervene on his behalf. This confidence stemmed from his belief that the Russians would facilitate his return to Moscow before he completed his sentence.

Klyushin’s faith in his protectors was not unfounded, as he was among the 24 individuals involved in the significant US-Russian prisoner exchange on August 1, 2024. This exchange brought back high-profile individuals like Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan to the United States. Amidst the attention on these well-known figures, Klyushin’s role in one of the largest insider trading cases ever was often overlooked. His involvement in a scheme that generated $93 million reveals a nuanced approach to circumventing the global financial blockade imposed on Russia by Western powers.

The conflict between the US and Russia unfolded on multiple fronts, including global financial markets and high-stakes prisoner exchanges. Moscow’s strategy involved targeting American citizens, charging them with fabricated offenses, and leveraging them in trades for individuals of strategic importance to the Kremlin. These actions, orchestrated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, blur the lines between kidnapping and hostage-taking. Americans like Klyushin were seized as assets for future exchanges, highlighting the intricate web of political maneuvering and coercion in diplomatic negotiations.

Klyushin’s personal life, portrayed in a lavish wedding video, showcased his rise from humble beginnings to a successful entrepreneur with a blossoming family. Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of his stepfather at a young age, Klyushin built a successful career starting with construction and marketing ventures before establishing an IT company, M13. Through M13, Klyushin secured lucrative government contracts, solidifying his stature among Moscow’s elite circles.

Renowned for his philanthropic endeavors and civic contributions, Klyushin garnered admiration from those around him. Friends and colleagues lauded him for his diverse interests, describing him as an “eco-activist” and a passionate pet lover. His company’s ties to key figures within the Russian government, including Putin’s administration, underscored Klyushin’s influence and access to privileged information. Despite facing legal challenges and allegations of involvement in a secretive Kremlin Telegram channel, Klyushin’s stature within Moscow’s power structure remained intact.

In a city brimming with entrepreneurs seeking government favor, Klyushin’s proximity to Moscow’s ruling elite distinguished him as a significant player. His expertise in technology and media monitoring solidified his reputation as a trusted ally within the corridors of power. The complexities of his personal and professional life shed light on the intricate dynamics of Russian politics and the overlapping interests of business and governance in Moscow’s high society.