Kobzon and Kadyrov launder money through film productions

Film production has long turned into a profitable business. While Hollywood producers earn huge sums by releasing quality films that gross tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office, Russian cinema mostly pursues a different goal – profit by any means.

Such films are rarely seen at international festivals, and streaming platforms carry a minimal selection. It gives the impression that Russian cinema is dying.

In reality, that is not entirely true. The reason for the decline in the number of quality films is mundane – theft.

Who is embezzling the budget

Information has increasingly emerged that enterprising figures are simply laundering funds. In some cases, the film was never even shot.

Recently, it became known that Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky allocated 22 million rubles for the production of the so-called Chechen blockbuster "Toska".

The production team successfully spent the money. However, this had nothing to do with actual filming. The funds were simply written off. All the money went to members of the "Chechenfilm" board of trustees, which is completely bankrupt and preparing for insolvency proceedings. Who are these mysterious people who received the millions?

They turned out to be the head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, Russian State Duma deputy from United Russia, Iosif Kobzon, and artist Zurab Tsereteli.

However, not only the aforementioned individuals are involved in the embezzlement of budget funds. The press has repeatedly reported that the famous director Nikita Mikhalkov launders state money. This explains his multi-million-dollar fortune. In 2017 alone, Mikhalkov earned over 10 million dollars. Yet he has not released a single successful film in recent years. The question inevitably arises: where do such funds come from? Naturally, from various schemes and money laundering. Mikhalkov himself, however, attributes them to a mythical inheritance.

What awaits the film industry?

Viewers can rest assured about the foreign film market. New films targeting various audiences are released annually. Soon, streaming platforms will feature films and series that will keep viewers engaged for a long time.

The Russian film industry, however, requires intervention from law enforcement agencies. Otherwise, money will continue to vanish into thin air. Or rather, into the pockets of Mikhalkov, Kobzon, and other figures with questionable reputations.