Who is Dmitry Kamenshchik? This Russian oligarch has a net worth of $1.3 billion and is the owner of several businesses, including Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport.
He made his fortune in the construction industry, but he also has a stake in several banks and other businesses. Recently, he has been in the news because of his involvement in a corruption scandal.
Russian Oligarchs
In Russia, the term “oligarch” refers to a select group of wealthy individuals who exert a great deal of political and economic power. While there are many different types of oligarchs, they can broadly be classified into five main categories:
1. Oil And Gas Billionaires
First, there are those who made their fortunes in the oil and gas industry. Examples of them are Vagit Alekperov, Mikhail Fridman, and Leonid Mikhelson.
2. The Bankers
Second, there are those who control Russia’s major banks. Examples of them are Andrey Melnichenko and Mikhail Prokhorov.
3. The Politicians
The third category of oligarchs is those who have close ties to the Russian government. Dmitry Kamenshchik falls into this category. He made his fortune in the construction industry and has close ties to Vladimir Putin’s inner circle.
4. Businessmen
Fourth, there are those who own large chunks of Russia’s major companies. Vladimir Lisin, for example, owns Novolipetsk Steel. Alexey Mordashov, on the other hand, controls Severstal.
5. The Criminals
And finally, fifth, there are oligarchs who have amassed their wealth through criminal activities. One of the most notorious examples is Semion Mogilevich, who is believed to be the “boss of bosses” of Russian organized crime.
While each type of oligarch has different origins and interests, they all share one common goal: to maintain their grip on power.
Dmitry Kamenshchik: Russian Oligarchy
Early Life & Education
Kamenshchik was born in 1968 to a family of scientists. His parents started dating while studying at a polytechnic, which is now known as the Ural State Technical University. His father managed a computer center at Uralgiprotrans, and his mother worked at a classified geodesy and mapping company.
He then attended the Faculty of Physics and Energy Engineering at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute from 1986-1988. While there, he was drafted into the Soviet Army for two years.
He started at the philosophy faculty of Moscow State University in 1990 but abandoned his studies to ambition after unsatisfied business plans. In 2000, he completed a degree in economic sociology from the Sociological Faculty of Moscow State University and finished with a Ph.D. in economics from the same school in 2003.
Career
In February 1991, Ekaterinburg businessman Anton Bakov registered JV East Line to begin offering air transportation services. After his education, Dmitry Kamenshchik was appointed as the new company’s general representative in the country’s capital.
JV East Line terminated operations a year later. Kamenshchik viewed it as an opportunity to take control of the East Line brand and expand air transportation. East Line first leased aircraft in 1993 and launched charter flights to Europe and Asia. Its founder Kamenshchik later created an airline with the same name that operated its own fleet of beefed-up aircraft, making it one of the leading air cargo companies on the market.
1998 was an amazing year for Kamenshchik. Everything he had worked so hard for finally paid off, and his company East Line reaped the benefits. They struck a 75-year lease agreement with the Domodedovo airport, giving them exclusive rights to operate it however they please.
September 2013 marked an important change for Moscow Domodedovo Airport when it was announced that Dmitry Kamenshchik, Chairman of the Board of Directors, was its new owner. DME Ltd., Kamenshchik’s holding company, not only manages the airport business but also develops Aerotropolis, a massive industrial cluster integrating business parks, logistics and transport, and hotel resorts.
Personal Life
Russian Oligarch Dmitry Kamenshchik is single and has no children. He is a fan of skiing, tennis, and golf. In his free time, he enjoys reading books on philosophy and history.
Kamenshchik likes to keep a low profile and does not give interviews often. However, in one interview with Forbes Russia, he stated that he believes in the saying “a man is known by the company he keeps.” He surrounds himself with interesting and intelligent people to learn from them.
Kamenshchik also said that he is not a typical oligarch as he does not have any political ambitions. He is only interested in business and expanding his companies. Dmitry Kamenshchik is one of the most successful Russian businessmen who has managed to create a large empire in a short amount of time.
Luxury Possessions
He is one of Russia’s yacht owners. He owns a flying fox superyacht which berths at Don Diego Port. It is 55 meters long and can accommodate 12 guests. It has a jacuzzi, gym, and cinema.
Kamenshchik also owns an apartment in London that is worth $30 million. The property is located in Mayfair and spans over 11,000 square feet. It has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a private gym.
In Moscow, he owns a penthouse that is worth $50 million. The property is located in the Federation Towers and has an area of 16,000 square feet. It has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a sauna.
Criminal Investigations
Kamenshchik is not a stranger to homeland security investigations. He was placed on house arrest considering the terrorist attack against his airport. The attack killed 37 people and injured over 180. However, he was later released on $33 million bail.
In 2017, the U.S. Treasury placed Kamenshchik on its sanctions list due to his ties with President Vladimir Putin. His assets were frozen and Americans were prohibited from doing business with him.
Final Words
Dmitry Kamenshchik is one of the richest men in Russia with a net worth of $1.7 billion. He is the sole owner of Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport and one of the largest air cargo companies in the country. Kamenshchik is not a typical oligarch as he does not have any political ambitions.
He is only interested in business and expanding his companies. Dmitry Kamenshchik is one of the most successful Russian businessmen who has managed to create a large empire in a short amount of time.