Yevgeny Prigozhin’s rise from a modest restaurateur in St. Petersburg to one of Russia’s most influential and controversial figures is a story that weaves together the strands of entrepreneurship, information warfare, and military operations. Known as “Putin’s Chef” due to his early success in catering, Prigozhin’s influence expanded far beyond the kitchen, eventually shaping global geopolitics through the Internet Research Agency (IRA) and the Wagner Group.
The Early Years: From Restaurants to the Kremlin
Prigozhin’s journey began in the 1990s when he established several high-end restaurants in St. Petersburg, one of which—New Island—became a favorite dining spot for Vladimir Putin. This connection proved pivotal, as Prigozhin leveraged his culinary success to secure lucrative government contracts, eventually earning the nickname “Putin’s Chef.”
The Internet Research Agency: A New Kind of Warfare
In 2013, Prigozhin founded the Internet Research Agency (IRA), an organization that would become notorious for its role in Russia’s disinformation campaigns. The IRA operated as a “troll farm,” employing thousands of individuals to create fake social media accounts and spread misinformation, particularly aimed at undermining trust in Western institutions.
Vaccine Disinformation and Media Manipulation: One of the IRA’s most insidious campaigns involved spreading false information about vaccines, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. By promoting conspiracy theories and amplifying fears about vaccine safety, the IRA sought to sow discord and weaken public health efforts in the West. This campaign was part of a broader strategy to create instability and erode trust in democratic governments, showcasing the IRA’s role as a tool of Russian hybrid warfare.
The IRA also leveraged mainstream and fringe media outlets to spread its disinformation. Websites like RT (Russia Today) and Sputnik, which are state-funded, played a crucial role in disseminating these narratives. They published articles that aligned with the IRA’s goals, often blending factual news with misleading content to confuse audiences. These narratives were then amplified by affiliated blogs and websites, including those linked to populist movements and political parties in the West. This ecosystem of disinformation allowed the IRA to effectively spread its messaging far beyond Russia, reaching English-speaking audiences globally.
The Wagner Group: Russia’s Shadow Army
While the IRA focused on information warfare, Prigozhin’s Wagner Group operated on the ground, engaging in military operations across several continents. Officially founded in 2014, Wagner served as a private military company (PMC) that allowed Russia to pursue its geopolitical interests while maintaining plausible deniability.
Key Areas of Operation:
- Ukraine: Wagner first made headlines during the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Donbas. The group played a crucial role in supporting pro-Russian separatists and destabilizing Ukrainian forces, acting as an unofficial arm of the Russian military.
- Syria: Wagner’s involvement in Syria marked one of its most direct confrontations with the West. Deployed to support the Assad regime, Wagner operatives were involved in various battles, including a notable clash with U.S. forces in 2018. This incident highlighted the group’s willingness to engage directly with American troops, further escalating tensions between Russia and the West.
- Africa: Beyond Ukraine and Syria, Wagner has been active in several African nations, including the Central African Republic (CAR), Libya, and Mali. In these countries, Wagner provided military support to regimes in exchange for access to valuable resources like gold and diamonds. After Prigozhin’s death, Wagner’s operations in Africa were restructured under the Russian Ministry of Defense, ensuring continued Russian influence on the continent.
The Death of Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Suspicions Surrounding It
On August 23, 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin died in a plane crash that occurred under mysterious circumstances. The plane, carrying Prigozhin and several other key figures of the Wagner Group, crashed just outside Moscow, only two months after Prigozhin had led a failed mutiny against the Russian military leadership.
The timing and circumstances of Prigozhin’s death have led to widespread speculation and suspicion that it was not an accident but an assassination orchestrated by the Kremlin. The mutiny in June 2023 had been a significant embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin, and many observers believe that the plane crash was a calculated move to eliminate Prigozhin as a threat to the regime. Despite the Kremlin’s official denials, the incident is widely viewed as an example of the ruthless measures taken by the Russian state to maintain control and eliminate dissent.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impact on Geopolitics
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s story is one of transformation—from a businessman catering to Russia’s elite to a key architect of modern hybrid warfare. His influence through the IRA and Wagner Group has left a lasting impact on global geopolitics, demonstrating the power of disinformation and private military operations in the 21st century. The mysterious circumstances of his death only add to the complex legacy he leaves behind, one that will continue to shape conflicts and political landscapes around the world.
Andrea Bodei
EUCIF
The European Cyber Intelligence Foundation is a European non-profit think tank specializing in intelligence and cybersecurity, offering consultancy services to government entities