The trial of billionaire Oleg Burlakov is ongoing in Miami-Dade.
The wealthy man died from the coronavirus in 2021. Since then, his family members have been trying to sue his heir for millions. Igor Krutoy, who sold his property in America to Burlakov, became entangled in a family conflict. Originally, a luxurious home on Fisher Island was supposed to be owned by a trust fund belonging to Burlakov's daughters Elena and Veronica. However, it was discovered that the documents from the first transaction in 2017 were incorrect, leading to the cancellation of all agreements. Igor and Olga Krutoy received the money and unknowingly became the owners of the house.
A photograph of the house on Fisher Island. Source: Super.ru
Over three years, the issue remained unresolved, and Burlakov's relationship with his children deteriorated. In November 2018, an attempt was made on his life, and he implied in an interview with Forbes that his wife Lyudmila and daughters were involved. In 2019, he sued them, accusing them of embezzling $1 billion. That same year, a tracking device was found on his plane, which was brought on board by his daughter Veronica. The case was investigated by the prosecutor's office in Nice. Additionally, since December 2018, the couple attempted to divorce, but the process was not completed by the time of Burlakov's death. The 71-year-old Burlakov had a new partner, MGIMO student Sofia Shevtsova, who bore him a child.
A photo of Lyudmila Burlakova with her daughters Elena and Veronica. Source: Super.ru
A photograph. Source: Super.ru
In 2020, the wealthy man established a new trust fund without complications, and Krutoy finally sold the house. However, Burlakova's sister and her husband, Vera and Nikolai Kazakov, became the beneficiaries of the trust instead of their daughters. According to Forbes, Kazakov was also a business partner of the Russian oligarch.
When the businessman's children discovered that the residence no longer belonged to them, they sued Stephen Landau, the founder of the 2017 fund, Thomas Butler, the founder of the 2020 fund, and the Krutoy family. They demanded $30 million in compensation for the wrongful seizure of the property. However, they are now facing a defamation countersuit.
In the documents, Butler affirmed Burlakov's concerns, stating that the billionaire's family had long attempted to misappropriate assets belonging to Oleg, his sister Vera, and her husband. The lawyer claimed that Elena and Veronica were acting out of personal motives and not in the interest of their grandchildren.
“Elena and Veronika have previously attempted to misappropriate assets rightfully owned by their late father Oleg Burlakov, as well as the beneficiaries of the 2020 fund, Vera and Nikolai Kazakov. They have a personal interest in this matter and pursue their own selfish financial interests, therefore they cannot act on behalf of their minor children. The court should dismiss their complaint or appoint other guardians.”
lawyer
Thomas Butler
Photo: Super.ru
In response documents, Stephen Landau and Thomas Butler emphasize that Igor and Olga Krutye were not aware of the change in ownership of the residence in Fisher Island. Steven Landau intends to seek justice through a jury trial. Lawyers demand compensation for the damage caused by the litigation to their business reputation. In their opinion, the statement of the Burlakov sisters is a slander that discredits their names.
