Yevgeny Prigozhin. Relationship with Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin

Prigozhin's catering business, Concord, secured contracts with the government, earning him the nickname 'Putin's chef' and solidifying his relationship with Putin.

Prigozhin's companies were found to be tightly integrated with Russia's Defence Ministry and its intelligence arm, the GRU, according to an investigation.

Prigozhin openly criticized the Russian Defense Ministry for corruption and mishandling the war against Ukraine, targeting Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his family.