The Murderous Rise of Russia's Billionaires (Movie)

Summary by Krater

This mini-documentary explores the rise of the Russian oligarchs following the fall of the USSR, focusing on the turbulent partnership between Boris Berezovsky and Roman Abramovich and their eventual clash with Vladimir Putin.

From the video

Answers: Who were the Russian oligarchs and how did Boris Berezovsky and Roman Abramovich gain and lose their immense wealth?

• Russian oligarchs
• Boris Berezovsky
• Roman Abramovich
• Boris Yeltsin
• Vladimir Putin
• Russian privatization
• Seven Bankers

What it concludes

• Boris Berezovsky amassed a massive fortune by exploiting currency devaluation loopholes in Russia.
• Berezovsky and other oligarchs funded Boris Yeltsin's 1996 re-election campaign in exchange for political influence and cheap state assets.
• Vladimir Putin dismantled the political power of the oligarchs, demanding financial tribute and absolute political neutrality.
• Berezovsky refused to comply with Putin's terms, resulting in investigations, asset seizures, exile, and eventual financial ruin.
• Berezovsky's multi-million-dollar lawsuit against Roman Abramovich in the UK courts backfired completely, destroying his reputation and leaving him deeply in debt.
• Berezovsky was found dead in his home near London in 2013, with an inquest returning an open verdict on his death.