Media reveal why Putin-linked oligarch paid for Trump's son's wedding
Photo: Bettina Anderson and Donald Trump Jr. (open sources)
Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev is seeking to regain control of Olympic boxing for his organization, the IBA, while gaining political leverage through US President Donald Trump’s son, The Telegraph reports.
According to the outlet, International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev paid at least $170,000 for a private island and a fireworks show for the wedding celebration of Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson.
The lavish gift and the Russian businessman’s presence at the event raised concerns among US lawmakers.
Rep. Robert Garcia of the House Oversight Committee publicly asked: "What did he get in return? We need answers."
According to The Telegraph, the relationship has a clear strategic goal: restoring the IBA’s right to host Olympic boxing tournaments.
The International Olympic Committee stripped the IBA of its status as the sport’s global governing body over corruption and politicized decisions, including its ban on the Ukrainian Boxing Federation.
Kremlev is now seeking to use money and connections to regain influence over international sports.
"I am proud to call Umar not only a leader, but a friend," Trump Jr. previously said at an IBA event.
Umar Kremlev, whose real surname is Lutfulloev, has headed the IBA since 2020. In the past, he had criminal convictions and headed the Russian Boxing Federation.
He began rising through Russian political circles thanks to his ties to the Night Wolves biker club and the head of Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s security service.
Kremlev later gained a monopoly over Russia’s betting and lottery market, and in 2024, Putin awarded him the Order of Friendship.
Earlier, Bettina Anderson, Donald Trump Jr.’s wife, confirmed on Instagram that Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev had paid for their post-wedding celebration on a private island in the Bahamas.
The US president Donald Trump later also addressed the situation. He said his son, Donald Trump Jr., would return to Russian businessman Umar Kremlev the money he spent on the wedding celebrations.
