Ramzan Kadyrov Net Worth: How Much Is He Worth?

Ramzan Kadyrov’s net worth in 2023 is currently estimated at around $100 million. Kadyrov is popularly known as a Chechen politician and the current Head of the Chechen Republic. He was formerly affiliated to the Chechen independence movement, through his father who was the separatist-appointed mufti of Chechnya. He is a colonel general in the Russian military.

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Ramzan Kadyrov Biography

Born in 1976 in Tsentaroy, a village in the Checheno-Ingush Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, Kadyrov’s upbringing and early experiences played a significant role in shaping his future path. As the son of Akhmad Kadyrov, an influential imam, Ramzan sought to earn his father’s respect and always looked up to him as a role model.

The Kadyrov family belongs to the Benoy teip, a Chechen clan known for their historical wealth and resistance to the Russian Empire’s annexation. However, their defiance led to forced resettlement during the Caucasian War. This legacy of struggle against external forces undoubtedly influenced Kadyrov’s perspective on the Chechen people’s sovereignty.

During the First Chechen War, Kadyrov and his father fought alongside each other against the Russian armed forces, reflecting the complex dynamics of the conflict. After the war, Ramzan became his father’s personal driver and bodyguard as Akhmad assumed the role of separatist mufti of Chechnya. It was during this time that the Kadyrovite militia emerged, with Akhmad Kadyrov declaring jihad against Russia.

However, the tides turned with the onset of the Second Chechen War in 1999. The Kadyrov family, including Ramzan, switched sides and aligned themselves with Russia. This decision was met with controversy and criticism, as many accused them of betraying the Chechen cause. Nevertheless, Kadyrov rose through the ranks, supported by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), and eventually became the head of the Chechen Presidential Security Service, leading the Kadyrovites.

Tragedy struck the Kadyrov family on May 9, 2004, when Ramzan’s father, Akhmad, was assassinated. Ramzan was swiftly appointed as the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Chechen Republic the next day. This marked the beginning of his ascent to power, which would be marked by both achievements and controversies.

Kadyrov’s reputation for employing strong-arm tactics came to the fore in January 2005 when he led a group of armed men to the Khasavyurt City Police building to secure the release of his sister, Zulay. This incident raised concerns about Kadyrov’s approach to governance and his disregard for due process.

In November 2005, following a car accident involving Chechnya’s prime minister, Kadyrov assumed the role of caretaker prime minister. He wasted no time implementing elements of Sharia law, including banning gambling and alcohol production. His leadership style showcased a blend of traditional Islamic values and assertive governance.

Kadyrov’s consolidation of power continued as he defied the federal government by demanding more funds for Chechnya and calling for the withdrawal of most federal forces. These moves solidified his control and led to his appointment as acting president of Chechnya in February 2007, following the removal of his predecessor. The Chechen parliament swiftly approved his nomination, signalling his growing influence and grip on the region.

Critics have accused Kadyrov of fostering nepotism and building his own “vertical of power” by placing family members in key positions. The assassination attempt in 2009, targeting Kadyrov and a parliament member, further highlighted the volatile nature of Chechen politics and the challenges faced by Kadyrov’s administration.

Despite the controversies surrounding his leadership, Kadyrov has managed to maintain a grip on power. In 2011, he was re-elected as the Head of the Chechen Republic and pledged to continue the economic and social revival of the region. His academic achievements, including degrees in law and economics, demonstrate a commitment to education and personal growth.