The Most Powerful Mobster in the World, Russian-Jewish Crime Boss Semion Mogilevich
Semion Mogilevich, a Jewish-born Russian organized crime boss, is widely regarded as the "boss of bosses" of most Russian Mafia syndicates globally. Dubbed "the most dangerous mobster in the world" by the US government, Mogilevich has been a formidable figure in the international underworld since the 1990s.
As the ruthless leader of the Red Mafia, he's been described as "the world's most powerful gangster." His alleged crimes include extortion, large-scale drug trafficking, prostitution, and nuclear weapons trading, once posing an existential threat to Eastern Europe.
Mogilevich holds dual citizenship in Israel and Russia. In the 1980s, he helped Russian and Ukrainian Jews emigrate to Israel, often assisting with asset transfers, but reportedly sometimes stealing from them.
Until 1998, Inkombank (controlled by Mogilevich's group) and Bank Menatep were allegedly involved in a $10 billion money-laundering scheme through the Bank of New York. The US government has accused Semion Mogilevich of "weapons trafficking, contract murders, extortion, drug trafficking, and prostitution on an international scale."
Mogilevich reportedly had connections with Robert Maxwell, father of Ghislaine Maxwell, and Jeffrey Epstein. According to reports, Robert Maxwell obtained Israeli passports for Mogilevich and 23 associates in 1988, which facilitated his global criminal operations.
British journalists Gordon Thomas and Martin Dillon claim in their book "Robert Maxwell: Superspy" that Robert Maxwell and Mogilevich were business partners. As Nina Burleigh notes in Rolling Stone, Maxwell facilitated connections between the KGB, Mossad, and emerging Russian oligarchs in the 1980s, establishing around 400 companies allegedly used for money laundering.
Semion Mogilevich's relationship with Vladimir Putin is shrouded in speculation, but it's widely believed that Putin has provided Mogilevich with protection and support. Mogilevich's ability to live openly in Moscow despite being on the FBI's Most Wanted list suggests that he enjoys a level of protection from the Russian government. Allegations have also surfaced about Putin acting as Mogilevich's "krisha" or protector in the past. It's obvious that Mogilevich's influence and operations are somehow shielded by powerful figures in Russia.
