Viktor Zolotov Head of the Presidential Security Service, Date of Birth: 27.01.1954 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Career
2. KGB and FSO Service
3. Bodyguard to Sobchak and Putin
4. Private Security Sector
5. Return to Presidential Security
6. Other Activities
7. Personal Life

Early Life and Career

Viktor Vasilyevich Zolotovwas born on January 27, 1954, in Russia. After graduating from high school, he worked at the Automobile Plant named after the 50th Anniversary of the Komsomol.

KGB and FSO Service

In the 1970s and 1980s, Zolotov served as an officer in the 9th Directorate of the KGB of the USSR, which was responsible for personal security. This directorate was later transformed into the Federal Protective Service (FSO) in 1992.

Bodyguard to Sobchak and Putin

During the early 1990s, Zolotov worked as a bodyguard to Anatoly Sobchak, the Mayor of Saint Petersburg, and his First Deputy Mayor, Vladimir Putin.

Private Security Sector

In 1996, Zolotov was dismissed from the FSO. He subsequently worked for several private security companies in Saint Petersburg, including "Baltik-Escort," which was owned by Roman Tsepov.

Return to Presidential Security

In 1999, when Putin became Prime Minister, Zolotov was appointed to head his personal security detail. In 2000, he was named Head of the Presidential Security Service and Deputy Director of the FSO.

Other Activities

Zolotov is also the Chairman of the Presidium of the Russian National Federation of Oyama Kyokushinkai Karate-do.

Personal Life

In 2004, Zolotov attended the funeral of Roman Tsepov, where he was given a hero's burial and received an automatic salute. Zolotov was among the dignitaries present at the funeral, which was also attended by other high-ranking officials, including the Head of the Main Directorate of Internal Security of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Konstantin Romodanovsky.