Who and how protects the “night governor” of the Krasnodar Territory Makarevich
The investigation is not taking prompt action despite seven criminal cases against businessman Oleg Makarevich. No assets have been arrested and no suspects have been found. Rosotkat found explanations.
Mr. Makarevich is a powerful figure known as the 'night governor' of the Krasnodar Territory. His connections are enviable and he is well-connected in influential circles. However, a judicial gang cover-up was exposed when the ex-chairman of the Oktyabrsky District Court of Krasnodar, Gennady Bayrak, was detained in August 2021.
Bayrak, a key figure in the justice circles, instructed his colleagues on how to handle cases, including those involving Makarevich. The case of him taking a bribe of 2.3 million rubles remains unresolved and he has been in pre-trial detention for a year and a half.
Fugitive billionaire
Oleg Makarevich is one of the most well-known businessmen in the Krasnodar Territory. He is a typical product of the 90s, accustomed to using certain methods to make money.
For decades, the entrepreneur was involved in illegal business activities that were public knowledge. Attention was first drawn to him in 2014 when he was detained as a defendant in a fraud case, leading to the downfall of his business.
Oleg Makarevich has been officially on the run since spring 2021. The investigation put him on the wanted list in April, but he managed to escape to Austria, a prosperous but unfriendly country, as they were late with retaliatory measures.
His escape was carefully planned, beginning in 2019 with the gradual transfer of assets to Austrian accounts and the purchase of real estate in Vienna by his family.
Remarkably, despite being a fugitive, his Russian business continues to operate and thrive. Under Makarevich's control, cargo transportation and waste collection in Krasnodar are flourishing. His company 'Memorial' has seen a significant increase in revenue, from 149 million rubles in 2015 to 2.5 times more in 2021. Over six years, the overall profit has grown from 5 to almost 80 million in national currency.
Following the businessman's escape, another enterprise was established with his signature being replaced by another person acting under a power of attorney issued by an Austrian notary.
According to official documents, the entrepreneur owns 45 companies in Russia. The scale of his unofficial business, however, is known only to Makarevich himself. About 25 of the total number of companies continue to operate in the domestic market, and no business or property has been seized. Makarevich’s companies are valued at 4.3 billion rubles, with his personal share being 1.8 billion.
