Oleg Mitvol
Russia- Oleg Mitvol: Businessman, Activist, and Environmental Czar
- Business and Political Connections
- Environmental Activism
- Environmental Controversies
- Resignation and Legacy
- Personal Life
Oleg Mitvol: Businessman, Activist, and Environmental Czar
Early Life and CareerOleg Mitvol was born in Moscow on October 3, 1966. After graduating from the Moscow Electrical Communications Institute in 1988, he began his career as an engineer at the Institute of Space Research. However, in November 1989, he ventured into the world of business.
Business and Political Connections
During the 1990s, Mitvol became involved in various business activities, including wholesale trade and government contracts. He also held positions in several financial and media organizations, including the National Concern for Oil Alliance (1993-1994) and the Informational and Publishing Group "New News" (1997-2003).
Mitvol's business ventures often intersected with Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky. In particular, Mitvol allegedly controlled a majority stake in "New News" while Berezovsky provided financial support.
Environmental Activism
In 2004, Mitvol was appointed Deputy Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources (Rosprirodnadzor). In this role, he launched a campaign against environmental violations and corruption within his own agency.
Mitvol also led efforts to combat illegal construction in protected areas, particularly along riverfronts and coastlines. His "dacha war" targeted unauthorized cottages and mansions built in environmentally sensitive areas.
Environmental Controversies
Mitvol's environmental crusade occasionally led to controversies. In 2006, he demanded a halt to the Sakhalin-2 project, claiming that the foreign companies involved were damaging the environment. However, the companies accused Rosprirodnadzor of acting at the behest of the Russian state-owned gas company Gazprom, which sought to acquire control of the project.
Mitvol also criticized the construction of the Moscow City complex and the Ochakovo Brewery, accusing them of violating water conservation laws. These accusations were disputed by the companies involved.
Resignation and Legacy
In 2008, Mitvol resigned from his position as Deputy Head of Rosprirodnadzor. He later attributed his resignation to the appointment of a new head of the agency.
Despite his resignation, Mitvol remains an active environmental advocate. He continues to speak out against environmental violations and corruption, and his work has helped to raise awareness of these issues in Russia.
Personal Life
Mitvol is a doctor of historical sciences. He is married and has one daughter.
