Nassau, Bahamas — A Russian oligarch with close ties to President Vladimir Putin paid hundreds of thousands of dollars toward Donald Trump Jr.’s May wedding to Bettina Anderson in the Bahamas, according to a new ProPublica investigation.
The report identifies Umar Kremlev, president of the International Boxing Association, as the benefactor. Kremlev allegedly paid for major wedding expenses, including use of a second private island that can rent for roughly $100,000 per night and a fireworks display that can cost about $70,000. ProPublica reported that Kremlev did not attend the 18-person ceremony itself but participated in other wedding-related events.
Trump Jr.’s spokesperson did not dispute that Kremlev helped cover expenses, describing him as a “personal friend” rather than a business associate. The spokesperson said the two met through mutual contacts in hunting circles and bonded over boxing and outdoor interests. Kremlev’s office likewise confirmed that the two have a friendly relationship.
Kremlev has drawn scrutiny because of his relationship with Putin and the International Boxing Association’s past ties to Russian state-linked energy giant Gazprom. ProPublica also noted that Trump Jr.’s wedding involved a number of Russian guests.
The arrangement has raised ethical and counterintelligence questions because Trump Jr. is the president’s son, though the report did not allege that the wedding payments violated any law.
Sources
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
