London: The owner of the iconic Stolichnaya vodka brand, once considered a global symbol and a source of pride for the Soviet Union, has reportedly turned to European intelligence agencies to protect his life and business interests.
Yuri Shefler, the 59-year-old British-Russian billionaire owner of Stoli, one of the world’s most famous vodka brands, has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Latvian Prime Minister Andris Szekely of conspiring to seize his multibillion-dollar drinks empire. Shefler claims that secret preparations are underway to forcibly take control of his flagship business group, SPI Group.
According to media reports, the controversy stems from a long-standing dispute with the Kremlin that began in the early 2000s, when Shefler openly opposed President Putin’s alleged attempts to nationalize his company. The pressure on Shefler reportedly intensified after he publicly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Fearing for his personal safety and business interests, Shefler has reportedly submitted a confidential 22-page dossier to Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD). In the dossier, he calls for a high-level investigation into alleged secret collusion between former Prime Minister Andris Szekely and Moscow, as well as the serious threats he claims to be facing.
Shefler alleges that the purported conspiracy is aimed at stripping him of control over his valuable business assets and expanding Moscow’s influence over his international operations.
The allegations have raised concerns about political interference in international business affairs and the potential use of state influence to target prominent business figures who have openly criticized the Kremlin.
The dispute highlights the continuing tensions between the Russian government and business leaders who have opposed its policies, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
