Viktor Vasilyevich Zolotov son novel. Quantum leap: what will the son of the head of the Russian Guard do?
Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard of the Russian Federation.
Viktor Zolotov was born on January 27, 1954 in the city of Sasovo, Ryazan region. Grew up in a working-class family. In childhood and adolescence, he was actively involved in sports. He paid special attention to martial arts and martial arts. In his youth he worked as a mechanic at the AZLK plant. Zolotov served in the border troops. Since 1970, he worked in the 9th Directorate of the USSR State Security Committee.
Viktor Vasilyevich moved to the Main Directorate of Security of the Russian Federation in 1990. Since 1990, he has been the bodyguard of the mayor of St. Petersburg Anatoly Sobchak. At this job, I met Vladimir Putin, who at that time was in the position of deputy mayor. Subsequently, he became close to Putin and began to take part in sparrings in boxing and judo.
On August 19, 1991, Viktor Zolotov had the opportunity to guard the President of the RSFSR Boris Yeltsin during his speech from the armor of a tank.
In 1996, Zolotov was fired from the Federal Security Service of Russia; for some time he worked at the Baltic Escort company as a personal bodyguard for the influential businessman Tsepov Roman, a close friend of Putin.
From 2000 to 2013, Viktor Vasilievich Zolotov held the position of Head of the Security Service of the President of the Russian Federation - Deputy Director of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation. In 2006 he was awarded the rank of Colonel General.
At that time, he also graduated from the Law Institute and the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. He was the chairman of the presidium of the all-Russian public organization “Russian National Federation of Oyama Kyokushinkai Karate-do”.
In September 2013, he was reassigned to the post of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Internal Troops of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
By decree of the President of the Russian Federation on May 12, 2014, he was appointed First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation - Commander-in-Chief of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
The military rank of Army General was awarded on November 10, 2015, by decree of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin.
By decree of the President of the Russian Federation on April 5, 2016, Viktor Vasilyevich Zolotov was appointed Director of the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation - Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation. The position has the same status as a federal minister. Viktor Zolotov was included in the Security Council of the Russian Federation as a permanent member.
On April 6, 2018, Viktor Zolotov was included in the Kremlin sanctions list among Russian officials and businessmen close to Putin by the American State Department.
Family of Viktor Zolotov
Daughter Zhanna, married to producer Yuri Chechikhin.
Son Roman, together with Chechikhin, produced films and played one of the main roles in the film “I Have the Honor!” In 2007-2015, he worked as Deputy General Director of FSUE Okhrana. Since 2017, he has been Deputy Head of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the city of Moscow.
Awards of Viktor Vasilievich Zolotov
Order of Merit for the Fatherland, III and IV degrees
Order of Alexander Nevsky
Order of Courage
Order of Military Merit
Order of Friendship
Honored Employee of the State Security Bodies of the Russian Federation
Order named after Akhmat Kadyrov, 2016.
Patriarchal sign “700th anniversary of St. Sergius of Radonezh” (July 28, 2014) - in recognition of works for the benefit of the Holy Church.
The maroon beret was awarded on May 7, 2015 by decision of the Council of Military Personnel of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia who have the right to wear the maroon beret.
Honorary citizen of the city of Sasovo.
Having boldly promised to beat the head of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, Alexei Navalny, who is under administrative arrest, the head of the Russian Guard spoke about facts of his life path hitherto unknown to the general public. Perhaps a closer study of them will answer the question of how Viktor Zolotov’s son Roman, as a 23-year-old young man, became the owner of real estate worth several million dollars.
Hidden entrepreneur Zolotov
« You are very concerned about my declaration. You've been waving her around like a rag for several years now. There is absolutely nothing new there, and it was really filled out by me before I came to serve in the Russian Guard... I’m really not a poor person. Unlike you, when you were just sitting on the potty, I served in the army, worked in production, was a shock worker in communist labor and then went into business", stated Victor Zolotov in her anger, sparkling with insults and threats against his leader Alexei Navalny. At the same time, the head of the guards did not provide any intelligible counterarguments to the accusations of corruption in the appointment of a single supplier of products for the Russian Guard, unfoundedly calling them slanderous, insulting and discrediting his honor.
As Novaya Gazeta points out, Viktor Zolotov’s declaration, which has been studied many times, still does not answer the question of how much money a person who has worked for the last almost 30 years in government agencies, acquired several land plots, apartments, and houses that he owned. Now, after the head of the Russian Guard has published information about his business activities, the question arises why the official biography published on the website of the Russian Guard does not say a word about it.
« In 1990–2000 served in various senior military positions in the state security agencies of the Russian Federation. From 2000 to 2013 - Head of the Presidential Security Service - Deputy Director of the Federal Security Service. Since 2013 - Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia... By presidential decree of May 12, 2014, he was appointed First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs - Commander-in-Chief of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. By presidential decree of April 5, 2016, he was appointed director of the Federal Service of National Guard Troops“- the website of the Russian Guard reports about the commander.
The Russian Guard is visiting you!
Novaya Gazeta found out that three years after the appointment of the future head of the Russian Guard as head of the presidential security service, his 23-year-old son Roman already had 90 acres of land, i.e. almost one hectare in the most expensive place in Russia - the “village of billionaires” Barvikha. " Even then, the cost of one hundred square meters in these places reached 100 thousand dollars. Three years later, in 2006, construction of a house with an area of almost 700 sq. m. Zolotov Jr. still owns all this property to this day.", the publication notes.
In the presented video of the estate of the offspring of an angry campaigner, you can see a cascade of ponds, neatly planted green spaces, and winding paths between lawns. According to journalists, all this splendor can cost about 10 million dollars or approximately 700 million rubles at the current rate. And if you sell this estate, you can pay the average monthly pension to the residents of some small Russian town.
There is an estate located next to Roman's site Yuri Chechikhin, married to the daughter of the chief Russian Guard. " If we sum up the plots of Viktor Zolotov’s son and son-in-law, we get 2 hectares of land in the most expensive place in Russia. Such a “family nest”, the total cost of which can exceed 1.5 billion rubles ", notes Novaya Gazeta.
Since Viktor Zolotov expressed his readiness to organize a show for the entire personnel of the Russian Guard to make a “juicy chop” out of Navalny, the publication proposes to do this in Barvikha, on the property of the military leader’s relatives. " The entire personnel of the Russian Guard, of course, will not fit there, but there is enough space for a battalion or two. At the same time, the soldiers will visit the commander", the journalists note.
Sobesednik.ru found out where the head of the National Guard, ex-guard of Vladimir Putin, Viktor Zolotov, came from.
Got it right in the top nine
The main part of the biography of the head of the newly created National Guard, Viktor Zolotov, is still classified. Officially, he began his career as a mechanic at a factory. But already at the age of 20, he ended up in one of the elite divisions of the KGB - the 9th Directorate, which was responsible for protecting the top officials of the state.
“Most often those who came to us were those who distinguished themselves in their service in the border troops, GRU special forces, and airborne forces. Preference was given to people who had proven themselves in critical situations or in combat situations,” KGB Major General, former chief of staff of the 9th Directorate of the KGB Valery Velichko told Sobesednik.ru.
Viktor Zolotov just completed his service in the border troops.
“I don’t remember him from the 70s and 80s,” admitted Velichko. - Obviously, at that time he had not yet managed to distinguish himself in anything.
Zolotov distinguished himself in 1991. A photo of Yeltsin on a tank near the White House, whose back was covered by an unknown security guard in dark glasses with a concentrated expression on his face, spread throughout the world's media. This was Zolotov. Later, he was caught on camera in exactly the same way when he covered Vladimir Putin’s back.
The story of the acquaintance of Putin and Zolotov took place in the 90s, when Zolotov headed the security of the then mayor of St. Petersburg Anatoly Sobchak. Sobchak was then very friendly with his deputy, Vladimir Putin. They say that Putin and Zolotov became friends over their common passion for judo. Zolotov became Putin’s sparring partner on the tatami for many years to come. By the way, Zolotov, like Putin, continues to train and until recently even headed the Oyama Kyokushin Karate-do Federation. True, for some reason the federation itself refused to tell Sobesednik.ru about the boss’s sports everyday life. By the way, another famous karateka of the same style is the Presidential Envoy to the Far East Yuri Trutnev.
Silence – Zolotov
The former head of Boris Yeltsin’s security service, Alexander Korzhakov, knows a lot about Zolotov’s first years of service. But for many years he has refused to talk about the topic of his former subordinate.
– I won’t talk about this man! – Korzhakov replied to Sobesednik.ru, citing indisposition. “I can only say that I made him into the Zolotov we now know.”
In the 90s, everyone knew Korzhakov, no one knew Zolotov. Today the situation is different.
– The security of top officials has changed a lot in modern times. We served the state, and the current guards serve individuals. This is largely not a civil service, but personal security,” Valery Velichko commented to Sobesednik.ru.
St. Petersburg colleagues of Putin and Zolotov claim that their relationship was cemented during the period of persecution of Sobchak. Both then neglected their personal careers for the sake of their patron who had fallen into disgrace. Sobchak left for Paris. Putin resigned from the mayor's office. Zolotov left the FSO (Federal Security Service).
“Putin definitely trusts him; he generally values reliability and personal loyalty. Apparently, he had the opportunity to verify this more than once, says Velichko.
Both in service and in friendship
After leaving the FSO, Zolotov went into commerce, becoming a personal security guard for the influential St. Petersburg businessman Roman Tsepov. Tsepov was credited with unlimited opportunities and connections with both government officials and high-ranking law enforcement officials. Tsepov was considered the uncrowned king of the Northern capital until he was poisoned by unknown assailants in 2004. This crime has still not been solved and is one of the most mysterious murders of our time. After the murder of Tsepov, Zolotov returned to government service.
Putin did not forget his colleague and called his personal security - this is the highest degree of trust.
The everyday life of the presidential guard is a secret. But it is known that Zolotov has many awards for his years of service. Colleagues even jokingly call him Generalissimo. Among the awards there are not only honorary and anniversary ones, but also those that are not simply issued - the Order of Courage and the Order of Military Merit. Since Zolotov’s service is top secret, only the award winner himself can talk about his exploits. But he never gave a single interview in his life. Which, obviously, Putin also appreciates.
It is possible that Zolotov received his orders for preventing one of the assassination attempts - it is believed that during his time in power, attempts were made on the president’s life a dozen times.
– Increased attention is paid to Putin’s security. The places where he visits are carefully and repeatedly checked and examined. Food for him also undergoes multi-stage testing. Before serving it to the president, it is tasted by special staff tasters,” said one of the interlocutors, who asked that his name not be used.
In 2014, 60-year-old Zolotov finally left the presidential guard and was appointed head of the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Even then they said that this chair was an intermediate stage and Zolotov would soon head one of the leading intelligence services - the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the FSO or the FSB. But the reality turned out to be even more interesting: a new special service was created for him with the broadest powers in the area in which Zolotov has worked all his life - security.
Valentina's wife is a housewife.
Son Roman worked as deputy general director of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Okhrana of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Now he is a businessman, producer and actor (he has starred in several film projects).
Daughter Zhanna is an apartment owner.
/Expert comment
Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg Boris Vishnevsky: Security guards are coming to power
– Zolotov’s appointment did not come as a surprise. He is a non-public person, shadowy, devoted, his own. All these qualities are in demand and valued today. Even when he was appointed deputy minister of the interior, there were expectations that he would eventually occupy a ministerial chair. But now it is obvious that a separate power structure has been created for him in addition to the existing ones.
There has already been a tradition that the leaders of our state tend to trust most of all those who manage their personal security. Remember Korzhakov from Yeltsin’s guard. The same Dyumin, whom Putin appointed to lead the Tula region. But when people who are responsible for security begin to influence politics, this is not very good. It is significant that all Putin can now trust are his security guards. This is due to Putin’s past, his career in the KGB. That's how he was taught. But in fact, it turns out that the state is becoming more and more like a special service. The constantly strengthening army must protect against external enemies, and the National Guard, created in the image of the gendarmerie corps, it turns out, will fight “enemies” within the country.
What is the National Guard?
The National Guard includes SOBR and OMON units, special forces centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for weapons control, FSUE Okhrana...
What was it created for?
Protecting public order, participating in the fight against terrorism and extremism, participating in territorial defense, protecting important government facilities, eliminating the consequences of emergency situations...
What is he entitled to?
Stop crimes, check documents, detain suspects, search vehicles and citizens, use special equipment and weapons without warning during protests...
General Viktor Zolotov, who recently became head of the Russian National Guard, has a rich biography. However, most of it is still classified.
What do official sources know about this Russian military leader?
Becoming
Viktor Vasilyevich Zolotov was born on January 27, 1954 in the city of Sasovo, which is located in the Ryazan region (RSFSR). He was brought up in a working-class family, and after graduating from school he went to work as an ordinary mechanic.
Since the early 1970s, the future general was an employee of the 9th Main Directorate of the USSR State Security Committee. No one knows how a young man in his twenties ended up in this elite unit, whose task was to protect the top officials of the state. Such an invitation, as a rule, was received by those who distinguished themselves while serving in the border troops, airborne forces, as well as in the GRU special forces.
In this case, preference was given to people who had proven themselves excellent in combat or critical situations.
Education
Family
General Viktor Zolotov has a daughter, Zhanna. She married producer Yuri Chechikhin, known for such films as “Circumstances” and “Tycophs.”
General Viktor Zolotov also has a son. Until 2014, Roman was a full-time private security officer. Together with Chechikhin, he produced films, in one of which (“I Have the Honor”) he played one of the main characters. Today, Roman Zolotov works as deputy head of the capital’s department of physical education and sports.
Security of top officials of the state
In 1991, a photograph of Yeltsin during his speech on the armor of a tank was published in all world media. In this photo, a man in dark glasses is clearly visible, covering Boris Nikolaevich’s back. This was Viktor Vasilyevich Zolotov. Somewhat later, he also ended up in camera lenses, covering Vladimir Putin’s back.
Moving to St. Petersburg
In 1991, Zolotov, then a modest FSO officer, was sent from the capital to St. Petersburg. Here he was supposed to guard A. Sobchak. The mayor's family, his wife and ten-year-old daughter Ksenia, also needed protection. However, they were not entitled to state protection. That is why in 1992 Zolotov decided to contact the Baltic-Export company. This security company was led by Roman Tselov.
In 1994, a new agreement was concluded with Tselov. The mayor's office invited him to protect public order in those places where the vice-mayor of the Northern capital, Vladimir Putin, was staying.
Meeting the future president
Zolotov got to know Putin closely in the 90s. The future president and Zolotov became friends over a common passion for judo, and for many years they remained sparring partners on the tatami.
An interesting fact is that Zolotov, like Putin, still does not give up training. Until recently, the general even headed the Syama Kyokushin karate-do.
Work in commercial structures
After Sobchak lost the elections in 1996, which should have given him the post of mayor of St. Petersburg, Zolotov had to resign from the FSO. Then it seemed that the career of the future general had come to an end. Leaving the civil service, he went to work for the Baltic Escort company. Zolotov did not limit himself to participating in the work of this company only. In the late 90s, he organized the work of security services in banks. At the same time, Zolotov collaborated with the largest importer of fruits, OLEI-Jazz. In this company he also headed the security service.
Things were going well for Baltic Escort not only under Sobchak, but also under the new governor Yakovlev. The company received many contracts for the protection of objects, events, city infrastructure, as well as touring stars and cruise ships.
Return to duty
Zolotov's biography changed dramatically in the late 90s. This happened during the period when the Russian government was headed by FSB Director Putin. At his invitation, Viktor Zolotov left St. Petersburg and returned to Moscow. He exchanged his favorite Saab car for a government BMW, taking the post of head of the Security Service of the Russian Prime Minister.
In 2000, Colonel Zolotov received the post of head of the Security Service of the newly elected president, Putin.
Characteristics of a faithful guard
It is unlikely that anyone will doubt that the one who is responsible for the security of the president is a person who is completely trusted. And Zolotov became this person. The head of Putin’s security, according to people who know Viktor Vasilyevich, performed his duties perfectly. He is a guard who is loyal to his superior and tough on others. And this is confirmed by the fact that Zolotov retained his position even under President Dmitry Medvedev, being simultaneously responsible for security and the prime minister.
During the period when Viktor Vasilyevich was Putin’s direct guard, he was responsible for literally every minute of his life. He himself selected the personnel and organized the catering process. Putin trusted Zolotov with the management of his personal financial affairs. Under the supervision of a faithful guard, the construction of the presidential residence in Gelendzhik was underway. Zolotov personally came to the site and gave specific instructions on the arrangement of communications and security.
Viktor Vasilyevich began to be jokingly called the Generalissimo because of the frequency of receiving new stars on his shoulder straps. Already in 2006, he had a high rank - colonel general. Viktor Zolotov received this title thanks to his boundless devotion to the president.
Confrontation
In 2007, Colonel General Viktor Zolotov became a participant in a kind of war between the security forces. The opposing parties in it were Viktor Cherkesov (head of the Federal Drug Control Service) and (director of the FSB), as well as Alexander Bastrykin (head of the Investigative Committee) and Igor Ivanov (secretary of the Security Council). At that time, the Federal Drug Control Service was investigating the withdrawal by Russian security forces of funds that passed through a chain of Russian and foreign banks.
Operational data was collected through video and photo surveillance, wiretapping phones, etc. The Investigative Committee and the FSB did not want to put up with this. They responded by arresting employees on the FSKN staff.
What role did Zolotov play in this confrontation? He sided with Cherkesov, who, despite support, lost the fight. Today, the former head of the Federal Drug Control Service is a modest deputy from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, and Viktor Zolotov still holds a high government post.
New appointments
In September 2013, internal troops learned about Viktor Vasilyevich. Zolotov was appointed deputy commander-in-chief of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It is not surprising that this work was entrusted to such a responsible and experienced person.
General Zolotov headed the internal troops on May 12, 2014. At the same time he became first deputy. Minister of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Under his command were 220 thousand people wearing shoulder straps. In addition, the internal troops are all Russian special forces that are part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. And this is 25-30 thousand soldiers who have undergone special training.
According to some sources, General Zolotov headed the internal troops only in order to subsequently move to a higher level. Is it really? Is Putin's former bodyguard Zolotov the Minister of Internal Affairs? Will he replace Kolokoltsev in this post? All the assumptions made have not received official confirmation. Only Commander-in-Chief Zolotov was introduced to the personnel. The Minister of Internal Affairs described him as an officer with an outstanding biography and high moral qualities.
11/10/2015 Zolotov (RF) received another military rank - army general. It was assigned to him according to Russia V.V. Putin.
On April 5, 2016, the general became director of the federal service and commander-in-chief of these troops. The President created a new security structure for his faithful guard. Today, according to his status, Zolotov is a minister. He is also a permanent member of the Russian Security Council.
Responsible post
The National Guard, headed by Zolotov, was created on the basis of the internal troops that are part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to the explanations of the press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov, the newly formed structure is subordinated directly to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief V.V. Putin.
What is the main purpose of the National Guard of the Russian Federation? Its main goal is to maintain public order and combat extremism and terrorism. In addition, the structure headed by Zolotov must take part in the defense of the territorial integrity of the country, protect special cargo and especially important facilities. The task of National Guard personnel is to assist the FSB at the border.
The President also entrusted General Zolotov with responsibilities for monitoring compliance with legislation in the field of security activities of private companies and arms trafficking.
Thus, the National Guard's most important mission is to combat organized crime. Such a service will definitely need an operational component. And it is available in the internal troops. This is internal intelligence.
General Zolotov has a tremendous amount of work ahead of him. He needs to centralize the activities of several disparate units that are part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is a responsible task that an experienced and strong person will certainly cope with.
Who will serve in the National Guard? Russia's internal troops will be transformed into this structure. The guard will include special units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. And this is OMON and SOBR, as well as private security and the Center, which includes aviation and rapid response forces. The National Guard will also include other special units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Okhrana.
It is noteworthy that the new power structure is universal. Its creation will not require an increase in staffing levels and apparatus. In addition, all training grounds and training bases of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will come under the control of the National Guard. Thus, the budget will incur minimal costs.
Awards
During the entire period of his service, Zolotov was awarded the following orders:
- "Friendship and Courage";
- “For services to the fatherland” (3rd and 4th degrees);
- “For military merit”;
- Alexander Nevsky.
He also has a memorial patriarchal badge “700th anniversary of Sergius of Radonezh.”
Among Zolotov's awards there is also a very rare medal. It is called “Defender of a Free Russia.” The medal has the inscription “August 21, 1991.”
The son of the commander of the Russian Guard, Viktor Zolotov, became a shareholder of the Quantum Technologies research and production association. Roman Zolotov will bring new quantum developments to the market and promote technologies used to create secure communication systems and sensors for the Internet of Things. Before this, Zolotov Jr. was a Moscow official, involved in the sports and tourism industry, as well as business together with the daughter of FSB General Mikhail Shekin, Anastasia Zadorina.
NPO “Quantum Technologies” appeared a month ago, in May of this year. Roman Zolotov got 25% of the association. Half of the shares belong to General Director Elena Bondarchuk, the remaining 25% belongs to entrepreneur and shareholder of Motovilikha Plants Ruslan Valitov.
Research and development in the field of natural sciences is what Quantum Technologies mainly deals with. The main goal of the company is to introduce new technologies into mass production. Interestingly, the leaders do not provide a more detailed explanation.
It is also worth noting that Roman Zolotov has already tried himself in business. A couple of years ago, his face could be seen on the board of directors of the Baikal Corporation, co-owned by the founder of the sportswear manufacturer Za Sport, Anastasia Zadorina. The latter was mentioned when talking about the credit scams of Ugra Bank.
Let us remind you that Roman Zolotov has worked as deputy head of the Moscow Department of Sports and Tourism since February 2017. In particular, he was involved in supervising the Khamovniki sports school, a project for which was once represented by Katerina Tikhonova, the daughter of Vladimir Putin. The cost of such a school is almost 530 million rubles. It is interesting that now Zolotov Jr. is no longer part of the department’s staff; information about him has been removed from the website.
