Becoming a Russian Oligarch After Rebirth
Chapter 1222 - 1011: Aluminum Industry Gang War

Chapter 1222: Chapter 1011: Aluminum Industry Gang War

When mentioning the former Kremlin leader, many people might speak with a sneering tone, believing it was during his tenure that Russia was plunged into chaos with people struggling to get by, while oligarchs took the opportunity to carve up the national wealth.

Even many criticize him, saying he "sold" the country to The West!

But what many people may not know is that during his tenure, he also did many things beneficial to the country.

For example, he greatly promoted friendly relations between Russia and China, negotiated the resolution of the historical border disputes between the two countries during his tenure, and formalized a strategic partnership between them!

He also vigorously pushed for the establishment of the now-famous "Shanghai Cooperation Organization", which has solidified friendly and neighbourly relations among the member states. Since then, this region has seen no further friction or disputes.

Later it evolved into comprehensive cooperation in economy and trade, diplomacy, military, and more among the member states, all reaping substantial benefits.

Objectively speaking, he had his merits and faults...

Now that Drepaska has become associated with him, even Wang Ye must treat the situation with caution.

Since retiring, he has maintained a low profile, often vacationing abroad, seldom returning to Moscow, and no longer meddling in the political arena.

Therefore, Wang Ye never had the chance to interact with him or establish any relationship.

...

Back in his office, Wang Ye, following his habit, instructed Bakova to gather materials on Drepaska as quickly as possible.

Knowing oneself and the enemy ensures victory in every battle, they say. To deal with someone, knowing them well is essential.

Currently, he only knew some basic information about Drepaska, such as his net worth of fourteen billion US dollars, being someone’s grandson-in-law, and an aluminum industry tycoon, etc...

Yet, he knew nothing about his rise to wealth, his style, personality, or habits.

Of course, if Drepaska did not have that connection with the former Kremlin leader, with Wang Ye’s strength, a direct "overpowering" would suffice, and there would be no need to understand him so thoroughly.

In the face of absolute power, all tricks are futile!

Even if Drepaska were the so-called Forbes richest man, he would not be an exception...

Wang Ye’s cautious approach is merely out of respect for the former Kremlin leader, and he understands the concerns of his father-in-law.

...

The next day, Bakova knocked on the door and came in, carrying a thick folder that naturally contained the information about Drepaska.

After skimming through it, Wang Ye gained a clearer understanding of the man.

It must be said, these so-called "oligarchs" are anything but ordinary, nearly every one of their rags-to-riches stories reads like a legendary novel!

Drepaska is no exception; he is indeed a formidable figure!

To have a net worth of fourteen billion US dollars at the age of 37 and become Russia’s new richest man is certainly extraordinary!

Moreover, his wealth is mostly self-made, which sets him apart from other oligarchs.

Drepaska a commoner by birth, grew up on a remote small farm in southern Russia. from childhood, he was resolute and studious.

He was admitted to Moscow State University, the best university in all of Russia, majoring in the prestigious field of physics!

In this regard, he might even be considered Wang Ye’s senior...

After graduation, instead of working in the metropolis of Moscow, he chose to go voluntarily to an aluminum factory in Saiyansk City, Siberia province, and notably, he didn’t take an office position but went directly to the workshop!

According to his colleagues, Drepaska was very diligent and responsible at work, often sleeping next to the electrolytic furnace in the workshop at night.

Due to his excellent performance, he was promoted to manager of Saiyansk Aluminium Factory at the age of 26.

It was precisely during the nineties, a period of turmoil within Russia.

Drepaska seized the opportunity, made a fortune in international trade, and then took the chance of the privatization and restructuring of state-owned enterprises to buy a majority of the aluminum factory’s shares, instantly transforming into an aluminum industry tycoon.

In the material collected by Bakova, there was also a detailed account of the so-called "Aluminum Gang Wars" of Siberia from that period!

This term arose indeed because, at that time, around the asset contention of major state-owned aluminum factories in Siberia, too many events took place!

The records indicate that between ’94 and ’98, the aluminum industry hub of Siberia witnessed the infamous "Aluminum Gang Wars," with over a hundred high-level managers, bankers, investors, and gang leaders meeting their deaths in the bloody conflicts over the ownership of alumina factories.

This was a true definition of "corporate warfare"!

Competitors didn’t engage in well-mannered verbal sparring like in TV series and movies, but rather employed the crudest method—making you "disappear"!

It was during this "Aluminum Gang War" that Drepaska emerged victorious, not only unscathed but also securing controlling stakes in several large state-owned aluminum factories!

A Bu became his partner after he rose to prominence, and together they established the Russian Aluminium Group.

Later, in an interview with media reporters, Drepaska expressed grievances, saying that at the time, gangsters frequently threatened his life and the lives of his factory workers.

As he put it, "I was threatened... Two weeks later, my commercial director was shot twice in the head and died."