According to journalists' findings, Kriemliow, a former member of the Night Wolves motorcycle gang, allegedly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on renting the island and organizing a fireworks show. His colleagues were also supposed to help prepare the three-day wedding. The money allegedly came from an account in Dubai linked to the International Boxing Association (IBA), which Kriemliov heads.
Trump Jr. he doesn't deny it. Russians showed up at the wedding
IBA has received funding from Russia's Gazprom for years. The organization was also excluded from organizing a boxing tournament during the Olympic Games, among others. due to concerns about the transparency of its finances.
Donald Trump Jr. spokesman he did not deny that Kriemliow financed part of the celebrations. He described him as Don's "personal friend" whom he had met in the hunting community. At the same time, Eric Trump's representative said he did not know Kriemliow. Trump Jr. spokesmen and Kriemliowa stressed that they have no business ties.
ProPublica also reported that about 50 people attended the wedding, including a large group of Russians. Their presence was supposed to surprise some of the other guests. The invitees were to include, among others: Aleksandr Łagutin, previously associated with Russian companies from the arms and energy sectors.
US President Donald Trump was absent from the ceremony. He explained his absence, among other things: the then ongoing war with Iran.
Contacts with Russian elites raise questions
Kriemliov, born Umar Lutfuloyev, is said to be close to Alexei Rubezhnoy, a high-ranking Russian official responsible for the protection of the Russian president. According to the Russian website Projekt Kriemliov has a criminal past, and thanks to his contacts with the head of Putin's bodyguards, he was to take control of several bookmaking companies in Russia.
Just before Trump Jr.'s wedding. Kriemliov was also supposed to be part of the Russian delegation accompanying Vladimir Putin during his visit to China.
Information about the wedding financing raised concerns among national security experts. Former FBI officer Frank Montoya Jr., who held senior counterintelligence positions, pointed out that accepting such a large favor from a Russian oligarch could create a situation in which the recipient feels beholden to the donor. In his opinion, this is especially problematic in the case of the son of the sitting US president.
Donald Trump Jr. he holds no official position in his father's administration. However, the media attribute to him significant influence on the president and participation in the selection of people nominated for positions in the administration. At the same time, Trump Jr. operates in the family business, runs a cryptocurrency-related business and is the founder of a private club in Washington, bringing together representatives of the world of politics and business.
ProPublica is an American portal specializing in investigative journalism. Its journalists have won the Pulitzer Prize many times.
