In Moscow's Shadows 166: Raider Nation, a quick news round-up
Sep 18, 2024
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Get ready for a wild ride through Moscow's gritty business scene! A shocking shootout reveals how personal feuds can fuel corporate warfare, involving sports figures as enforcers. Tune in to hear about the eerie return of corporate raiding reminiscent of the 1990s. Discover the Kremlin's latest revenue-boosting strategies and the potential public backlash. Plus, learn about a major general's arrest amidst a military corruption crackdown—are these real reforms or just political maneuvers? Power struggles and corruption intertwine in this fascinating exploration!
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Quick takeaways
The violent corporate dispute involving Wildberries underscores the resurgence of aggressive tactics in Russian business negotiations reminiscent of the 1990s.
Legislative changes proposing steep fines for traffic violations highlight the state's strategy to secure alternative revenue while risking potential civil unrest.
Deep dives
Corporate Raiding and Violence
A high-profile dispute involving Wildberries, Russia's largest online marketplace, has escalated into violence, highlighting the pervasive issue of corporate raiding. Tatyana Bakalchuk, the company's founder, is in a bitter divorce with Vladislav Bakalchuk, who allegedly attempted a hostile takeover with the help of armed associates, leading to a shootout at a Moscow business center. This incident reflects a resurgence of aggressive tactics in corporate negotiations that were thought to have diminished since the turbulent 1990s. The clash has reignited discussions about the violent undercurrents in Russian business environments and the potential implications of the Kremlin's influence in such conflicts, especially given the involvement of notable figures like Ramzan Kadyrov.
Increased Fines for Traffic Violations
A new legislative proposal aims to significantly raise fines for motorists who fail to stop for police, raising concerns over state revenue tactics. The fines are set to increase from approximately 500-800 rubles to upwards of 7,000-10,000 rubles, alongside harsher penalties for repeat offenders. While the rationale behind these changes may be to enhance public safety, it reveals a pattern of the state seeking alternative revenue streams without openly increasing taxes. Previous protests against state infringement, such as the Blue Buckets movement, illustrate that drivers may resist these new measures, potentially resulting in civil unrest.
Military Corruption and Political Purges
The recent arrest of Major General Denis Putilov for bribery is part of a broader wave of detentions within Russia's military leadership, raising questions about corruption in wartime logistics. This increasing scrutiny comes amid speculation that these purges are linked to a power struggle following the exit of Defense Minister Shoigu, potentially aiming to reestablish control over military operations. The Defense Ministry's new leadership may be attempting to recalibrate the 'moral economy' of corruption, indicating a shift in acceptable levels of graft during war times. This context situates these arrests as not only anti-corruption measures but as strategic moves to eliminate rivals within the military hierarchy, further complicating the power dynamics in Russia.
I still haven't decided how/if to continue with these mid-week quickfire podcasts picking up on some news stories that catch my eye, but in the meantime, there's a divorce/business shootout in Moscow, more traffic fines (it matters, believe me) and another general under arrest.
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