Dmitry Krivitsky is a highly controversial person. We have little doubt that he would be now in Russia, without the criminal case and investigation, he could be one of Putin’s supporters. After all, Krivitsky is a trusty son of the Russian state system and there is no reason for him to step out of the crowd of the corrupt bureaucracy. By the twist of fate Dmitry Krivitsky is deprived of such an opportunity, Assay News author nails down. Exiled in Europe he tries to find a place playing the proven ‘anti-regime’ card. Anyway, he has much to say about it, because he was an integral part of the state apparatus.
The name of Dmitry Krivitsky once was at the hearing throughout Russia. The senator and Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs of the then-peaceful country was accused of taking a bribe of about 17 million rubles [now ~£201 thousand – ed.]. Despite this, Dmitry Krivitsky managed to avoid imprisonment in Russia and found a shelter in Italy. Today, former Russian Senator Dmitry Borisovich Krivitsky gave the first interview in many years of silence. Krivitsky, who stays in Italy, had to repeatedly petition for his non-extradition to the Russian side, while the motivations were diverse, and as always in international affairs, complicated. The current interview turned out to be quite honest and somewhat exciting. After all, defendants in corruption investigations and criminal cases very rarely admit their guilt, even partially.
Assaynews — Dmitry, how do you enjoy your stay in Italy, do you follow the events in Russia, the war?
Dmitry Krivitsky — It’s very hard for me to see the horrors taking place. Two Slavic nations are killing each other because of the whim and fears of one madman and his corrupt accomplices. I feel comfortable in Italy, but this is not my home and after the change of power I would like to return to Russia. My home is there.
Assaynews — Why did you decide to give an interview almost five years after the Italian court freed you from the seemingly imminent extradition to Russia? A rare case, based on the seriousness of the charges…
Dmitry Krivitsky — I’ll say this, I’m sick of it. Years have passed and I am ready to confess my guilt in corruption for millions of dollars. This is a step towards my own redemption, towards honesty with the world and with oneself.
And I am also ready to openly declare and prove that in Russia all officials, senators, deputies and many of them steal much more than I did. Look at how many real estate for tens of millions of euros in Italy [and elsewhere] were bought by the most inconspicuous civil servants from Russia, how many MPs bought up entire hotels and estates, resort areas before the war were teeming with Russian officials, senators and their mistresses and even gay partners. The man with whom I conducted corruption schemes in 2014-2016, Mikhail Gutseriev, through his former mistress Victoria Kohana, bought thousands of square meters of luxury real estate throughout Italy.
Assaynews — For your hosts honesty is important and as for corruption, it is the country that is considered the birthplace of the mafia. Aren’t you trying to play along with the local audience by confessing to what you’ve done?
Dmitry Krivitsky — Trust me, I speak sincerely. It is almost impossible to live in Russia and not to steal, since you will remain poor until the end of your days. Business, politics, officials, the entire executive branch — everything is tied to corruption. And the richest man in the country runs it.
Assaynews — Are you ready to return to Russia and face the punishment you deserve?
Dmitry Krivitsky — I am ready to return and face the court, at the same time testifying against everyone with whom I worked. But with the current government, this makes no sense. Perhaps when Ukraine wins, something will change..
Assaynews — Thank you very much for your interview, we hope that everything will be like this!
Dmitry Krivitsky — Thank you for the opportunity.
