Date of Birth: June 26, 1963
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Biography
Mikhail Khodorkovsky is a prominent Russian businessman, philanthropist, and former oligarch, known for his significant impact on the Russian economy during the 1990s. Born on June 26, 1963, in Moscow, Russia, Khodorkovsky rose to prominence as the head of Yukos, one of Russia’s largest oil companies. Under his leadership, Yukos became a major player in the global oil market, and he amassed considerable wealth. Khodorkovsky’s career took a dramatic turn in 2003 when he was arrested on charges of fraud and tax evasion. His trial and subsequent conviction were widely seen as politically motivated, as he had become a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin’s government. Khodorkovsky was sentenced to nine years in prison, a sentence that was later extended. He was released in December 2013 after spending a decade in prison. Since his release, Khodorkovsky has lived in exile in Switzerland and has continued his activism and philanthropy, advocating for human rights and political reform in Russia. He founded the Open Russia organization to promote democracy and civil society in his homeland.
5 Interesting Facts about Mikhail Khodorkovsky
1. Mikhail Khodorkovsky became one of the richest men in Russia during the 1990s due to his control of Yukos.
2. He was arrested in 2003 and spent a decade in prison on charges many believe were politically motivated.
3. Khodorkovsky has been a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin’s regime and has advocated for political reform in Russia.
4. He founded the Open Russia organization to support democracy and human rights in Russia.
5. Since his release from prison, Khodorkovsky has lived in exile in Switzerland.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mikhail Khodorkovsky
1. “The government should be afraid of the people, not the other way around.”
2. “I’ve always believed that an individual can and should contribute to the society in which he lives.”
3. “I am not a politician; I am a businessman who is concerned about the future of my country.”
4. “In Russia, everything is possible, but nothing is certain.”
5. “Freedom is not given; it is taken.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 billion.
Children
Mikhail Khodorkovsky has four children: Pavel, Anastasia, Ilya, and Gleb.
Relevant Links
1. [Mikhail Khodorkovsky – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Khodorkovsky
2. [Profile on Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/profile/mikhail-khodorkovsky/
4. [Open Russia Official Website](https://www.khodorkovsky.com/open-russia/
5. [Article on BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-25474064
