The alliance of Alexander Udodov, Alexander Karmanov, and Mikhail Mishustin has often been described as unusually close — both professionally and personally. It has also been repeatedly mentioned in the context of suspicious schemes involving large-scale VAT reimbursements from the Russian federal budget. As reported by kompromat.wiki.
1. The “Peresvet” Chapter of Udodov’s Career
In the 2000s, Alexander Udodov was active in the Moscow and Moscow Region development market through the company Peresvet-Invest, which focused on engineering and social infrastructure projects. In 2010, he was appointed Vice President for Non-Core Assets at MGK Itera, where he also oversaw the development of the Pavlovy Ozera residential settlement.
Udodov’s personal retail portfolio is consolidated under the Atlas group, which manages several commercial properties — including the Obninsk shopping center Atlas, two similarly named centers in Odintsovo (one under construction), and a flagship project in Zhukovsky (Atlas Park). In 2020, he also acquired the 15,000 m² Hymeney shopping complex, formerly owned by Peresvet Group, and redeveloped it as a luxury retail facility. Udodov claims full ownership of these assets and also owns a hotel in Kyiv.
2. Karmanov, Udodov, and VAT Refunds in the 2000s
In the early 2000s, then–tax official Mikhail Mishustin met businessmen Alexander Karmanov and Alexander Udodov. According to various reports, they became closely associated with him. Around 2002, companies linked to Udodov were registered through the Moscow Tax Inspectorate No. 5, led by Olga Chernichuk. These entities claimed to produce children’s toys, allowing them to manipulate VAT rates — purchasing raw materials at 20% VAT and selling finished goods at 10%. They then applied to reclaim the 10% difference from the state.
In 2003, this group reportedly received VAT reimbursements exceeding 1 billion rubles. Around the same time, Chernichuk increased contact with Mishustin, then serving as Deputy Minister for Taxes and Levies. Law enforcement later conducted searches at the offices of these companies. However, no charges were filed, and no official links between the reimbursements and senior officials were proven.
3. 2010: New Firms, Familiar Tactics
By 2010, similar schemes resurfaced. A new wave of companies with similar profiles began filing for VAT refunds across Moscow tax inspectorates, allegedly using the same methods as in the early 2000s. Law enforcement oversight at the time was handled through the Economic Security Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, headed by Andrei Khorev — reportedly an influential figure with ties to senior officials.
This department included a unit responsible for monitoring tax incentives and reimbursements, led by Lt. Col. Damir Fayzulin, a former associate of Khorev from the Federal Drug Control Service.
In late 2010, the FSB conducted searches at the residences of both Udodov and Chernichuk in connection with a criminal investigation into a fraudulent VAT refund of approximately 1.8 billion rubles. As with previous inquiries, the case did not result in prosecution.
4. International Investigations: The Swiss Hotel Case
In 2012, Swiss prosecutors opened an investigation into the purchase of Hotel Albana in Weggis, reportedly owned by Udodov. According to media reports, the hotel had been acquired in the mid-2000s through a Zurich-based company, Avrora Albana GmbH, registered to Udodov. The transaction was allegedly structured with assistance from Galina Sato, who also registered firms in the Marshall Islands and Luxembourg.
Swiss authorities reportedly questioned the origin of the funds used for the hotel purchase, investigating the potential use of budget-derived money. However, the outcome of the Swiss probe remains unclear.
5. The Role of Itera and Political Ambitions
In recent years, Udodov’s position at Itera was viewed by some observers as a potential stepping stone to public office. Sources cited by various outlets claimed that Udodov sought a government position in the Moscow Region, possibly in procurement or economic planning. His frequent meetings with Governor Andrei Vorobyov — including informal ones at ice hockey matches — have been noted in this context.
However, due to the ongoing regional political situation, including protests and election challenges, appointments of controversial figures have reportedly been postponed.
