World · Africa · 8 hrs ago
Prigozhin’s son reportedly expanded Wagner’s business in Central African Republic
After Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin died in a 2023 plane crash, the Kremlin moved to take control of his mercenary group and business empire.
In the Central African Republic, his son Pavel reportedly kept some Wagner fighters under his command.
He is also reported to have expanded the family’s activities in gold, weapons and drugs.
The network reportedly links military protection, resource deals and organized crime, and a Geneva-based group estimates the family’s legal and illegal businesses earn more than $400 million a year.
Pavel was named in his father’s will as heir to his fortune, though estimates of its value differed.
The later ownership structure is unclear, and claims about Pavel’s role in the businesses have not been independently confirmed.
Pawel Prigozhin reportedly retained Wagner fighters under his command in the Central African Republic and expanded his father’s business there.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the network links military protection, resource deals and organized crime, citing former Wagner employees, officials, businesspeople and researchers.
A Geneva-based research group estimated that the family’s legal and illegal businesses generate more than $400 million a year.
The report says the Kremlin took control of much of Wagner after its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, died in a plane crash in 2023.
- Who
- Pawel Prigozhin, son of Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, reportedly expanded the business.
- What
- He reportedly kept Wagner fighters under his command and expanded business involving gold, weapons and drugs.
- When
- After Yevgeny Prigozhin died in a plane crash in 2023. The report was published on October 21, 2026.
- Where
- The Central African Republic.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Yevgeny Prigozhin sent Wagner fighters to occupy Rostov-on-Don and advance towards Moscow before ending the uprising soon afterward.
The FBK anti-corruption foundation published research showing images of Pawel Prigozhin in private jets and on the family yacht.
Yevgeny Prigozhin died in a plane crash in Russia, two months after the uprising.
- Pawel Prigozhin’s age
- 28 at the time of the report
- Estimated annual business income
- More than $400 million
- Location
- Central African Republic
- Father’s death
- Plane crash in Russia in 2023
- Reported source
- Wall Street Journal, citing former Wagner employees, government representatives, businesspeople and researchers