Media Reveal the Motive of the Russian Oligarch Who Paid for Trump's Son's Wedding — The Telegraph

Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev, who is close to Vladimir Putin, is seeking to restore his association, the IBA, to control over Olympic boxing. At the same time, according to media reports, he is attempting to gain political influence through the son of U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to the publication, Umar Kremlev, president of the International Boxing Association (IBA), Umar Kremlev, paid at least $170,000 to rent a private island and organize a fireworks show for the wedding celebration of Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson.

The generous gift and the Russian’s presence at the event have raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers.

Congressman Robert Garcia of the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee publicly asked, “What did he get in return? We need answers.”

According to The Telegraph, there is a clear strategic goal behind this relationship: to restore the IBA’s right to host Olympic tournaments.

The International Olympic Committee stripped the IBA of its status as the global governing body due to corruption and politicized decisions, including the ban on the Ukrainian Boxing Federation.

Kremlev is currently trying to use money and connections to regain influence over world sports.

“I am proud to call Umar not only a leader but also a friend,” Trump Jr. said earlier during a joint IBA event.

Umar Kremlev (real surname: Lutfulloev) has headed the IBA since 2020. He has a criminal record and previously headed the Russian Boxing Federation.

He began his rise in Russian power circles thanks to his connections with the “Night Wolves” motorcycle club and the head of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s security service.

Kremlev later gained a monopoly on the betting and lottery market in Russia, and in 2024, Putin awarded him the Order of Friendship.

This was reported by The Telegraph.

The U.S. has launched an investigation into the Russian oligarch’s funding of Trump Jr.’s wedding — Axios.

A Russian oligarch paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for Trump Jr.’s wedding — ProPublica

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