He embodied fear. Today leaked photos of Evguéni Prigojine can make you smile. After a raid on the Wagner militia chief’s house, Russian security services have released stunning photos of Moscow’s new pariah.
These images, apparently taken by law enforcement agencies and suddenly published in several Russian public and private media, show a large and luxurious house with a helicopter parked in its garden.
We discover the sulphurous and sinister “Military Leader” composed of several characters. Moumoute, fake beard, bifocals, Syrian and Libyan army uniforms… Disguises worthy of Sascha Baron Cohen in his film The Dictator or Jacques Mesrine in his many marvels.
In addition, while searching the apartment of Wagner’s boss, the Russian FSB obtained several passports with different identities, photos of assaults undoubtedly committed by his paramilitary militia, numerous weapons, gold bars and cash.
According to the Russian independent outlet The Insider, a giant gavel with the inscription “In case of important negotiations” was also discovered.
The “mace” is one of the symbols of the Wagner group, who boast of using this weapon to brutally execute or torture their enemies.
Parcels, golden slots, weapons and photos with unusual faces. Опубликованы фотографии c обыска в особняке Евгения Пригожинаhttps://t.co/5Z2ZoJ0zAC pic.twitter.com/pJHkDgiMiM
— The Insider (@the_ins_ru) July 5, 2023
Evgeny Prigojine, who has been exiled to Belarus since his failed “Justice March” to Moscow, published an audio message earlier this week that was circulated via Telegram groups. The first since his failed coup. “We need your support now more than ever. Thank you for that,” says the head of the private militia.
Yevgeny Prigoyine led his uprising on June 23-24, in which his men seized military bases and marched on Moscow, before suddenly reversing after mediation by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
No sanctions have been announced against the mutineers, but the future of Mr. Prigozhin’s company, media empire and influence activities both in Russia and abroad, especially in Africa, seems uncertain.