Evidence Vladimir Putin could secretly be richest man on earth as net worth emerges

Vladimir Putin, Russia’s leader, is rumored to be one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, with a net worth that could place him among the richest people alive.
Estimates of Putin’s wealth vary widely. Celebrity Net Worth suggests the former KGB agent has a personal fortune of $70 billion, while Fortune believes it could be closer to $200 billion. If accurate, this would make him one of the planet’s richest individuals.
The Kremlin states that Putin – who lives in a massive palace with his gymnast partner who is 31 years his junior and owns a superyacht fleet – earns an annual salary of $140,000 and publicly discloses assets including a small apartment in St. Petersburg and three vehicles.
However, critics like US fund manager Bill Browder claim Putin uses his power to force businesses and individuals in Russia to hand over their assets to him.
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In 2017, Mr. Browder told the US Senate Judiciary Committee that Putin had amassed most of his wealth after Russian tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky was jailed for tax evasion and fraud in 2023.
He said: “After Khodorkovsky’s conviction, the other oligarchs went to Putin and asked him what they needed to do to avoid sitting in the same cage as Khodorkovsky. From what followed, it appeared that Putin’s answer was, ’50 percent’.”
He added: “He wasn’t saying 50 percent for the Russian government or the presidential administration of Russia, but 50 percent for Vladimir Putin personally.”
So, how does Vladimir Putin spend his money? Although he doesn’t reveal his exact net worth, Putin is known for showing off his vast riches.
Last year, the UK Foreign Office mentioned “reports exposing links” between Putin and a £566million yacht. Plus, the Government body pointed out the $1.4 billion “Putin’s Palace” that is “officially owned” by Arkady Rotenberg, a close friend of Putin.
In 2016, the Panama Papers revealed a web of secret loans and offshore accounts linked to Putin worth $2billion.