The Untold Story of Yevgeny Chichvarkin: From Russian Billionaire to UK Entrepreneur
Have you ever heard of Yevgeny Chichvarkin? He’s a Russian billionaire and the founder of the largest mobile phone retailer in Russia, Euroset. However, his life story doesn’t end there. After facing numerous legal battles in his home country, Yevgeny fled to the UK, where he became an entrepreneur and started a successful wine business. This is his untold story.
1. Early Life of Yevgeny Chichvarkin
Yevgeny was born in 1974 in Moscow, Russia. His father was a KGB officer, and his mother was a nurse. He grew up in a modest neighborhood and attended a public school. During his early years, Yevgeny wasn’t interested in business, but he had a love for music and played the guitar.
2. Building Euroset Empire
In the early 2000s, Yevgeny and his partners saw an opportunity in the mobile phone industry, which was still in its early stages in Russia. They founded Euroset and quickly grew it into the largest mobile phone retailer in the country, with over 4,000 stores and 25,000 employees.
3. Legal Troubles and Fleeing to the UK
Despite his massive success, Yevgeny faced numerous legal battles in Russia, including accusations of smuggling, money laundering, and tax evasion. In 2008, fearing for his safety, he fled to the UK and was granted political asylum. He left behind his company and wealth and started a new life from scratch.
4. Starting Hedonism Wines
After arriving in the UK, Yevgeny struggled to find a new business opportunity. However, his passion for wine led him to start Hedonism Wines, a luxury wine and spirits store in Mayfair, London. Despite facing initial challenges, the store quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional selection and service.
5. Achieving Success in the UK Market
Hedonism Wines has now become one of the most successful wine retailers in the UK, with a loyal customer base that includes celebrities and royalty. The store has won numerous awards and has been featured in international publications like Forbes and The Wall Street Journal.
6. Philanthropy and Social Causes
Yevgeny Chichvarkin is also known for his philanthropy and social activism. He’s a frequent supporter of LGBT rights, anti-corruption initiatives, and helping refugees. His company, Hedonism Wines, has also donated significant amounts of money to various charities.
7. FAQs
Q1. What happened to Euroset after Yevgeny left?
After Yevgeny fled to the UK, Euroset was sold to a competitor for $2.8 billion.
Q2. What makes Hedonism Wines unique?
Hedonism Wines has a selection of over 7,000 wines and spirits, including rare and exclusive bottles that can’t be found anywhere else. The store also offers personalized service and a luxurious shopping experience.
Q3. How did Yevgeny become an entrepreneur in the UK?
Yevgeny started Hedonism Wines after struggling to find a new business opportunity in the UK. His love for wine and passion for exceptional service inspired him to start the luxury wine retailer.
Q4. What charities does Hedonism Wines support?
Hedonism Wines has donated to various charities, including The Prince’s Trust, Crisis, and the London School of Economics.
Q5. What is Yevgeny’s net worth?
Yevgeny’s net worth is estimated to be around $500 million.
Q6. What legal troubles did Yevgeny face in Russia?
Yevgeny faced accusations of smuggling, money laundering, and tax evasion in Russia.
Q7. What is Yevgeny’s role in social activism?
Yevgeny is a frequent supporter of LGBT rights, anti-corruption initiatives, and helping refugees.
Conclusion
Yevgeny Chichvarkin’s journey from a Russian billionaire to a UK entrepreneur is an inspiring story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and social activism. Despite facing numerous challenges, Yevgeny managed to achieve success and create a new life for himself in a different country. His philanthropy and social causes also show his commitment to making the world a better place. If you want to learn more about Yevgeny Chichvarkin’s story, be sure to check out his memoir, “Business for Punks.”