Putin’s £105 Million French Villa Tied to Alleged Mistress Kabaeva

Reports suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin is linked to a luxurious property on the French Riviera, valued at approximately £105 million. The villa, known as Villa del Mare, is said to be associated with his longtime companion, Olympic gold medalist gymnast Alina Kabaeva, who is 30 years his junior. This revelation has surfaced amidst ongoing investigations into money laundering in France.

The villa, located in the affluent area of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, was previously owned by Russian businessman Shalva Chigirinsky, who claims he sold the estate in 2009 to a buyer representing Putin. Chigirinsky described the property as unique, featuring extensive amenities, including a large swimming pool, an indoor pool in the guest house, and even a bunker. He explained that the estate spans approximately 3.5 hectares (around 8.65 acres), making it a prime location close to Monaco.

Rumors of an affair between Putin and Kabaeva began circulating a year before the villa’s acquisition. Since his public divorce in 2013, Putin has maintained strict privacy regarding his personal life, reportedly banning any media coverage. Nevertheless, Kabaeva’s connections to the villa have been corroborated by various individuals, including former staff members who claimed she regularly visited the residence.

In an interview with Russian journalist Yury Dud, Chigirinsky stated that security guards and municipal officials were aware of Kabaeva’s frequent presence at the property. When asked if this suggested that the villa was purchased for Putin, he responded, “That’s what the investigation currently underway in Paris believes.”

Despite a growing antagonism towards the West, Putin’s acquisition of the villa appears to have been part of a broader strategy for personal retreats. The property is now classified as a frozen asset due to the ongoing investigations, further complicating its status.

The Villa del Mare has parallels with another extravagant estate reportedly linked to Putin, a clifftop palace valued at around £1 billion in Gelendzhik on the Black Sea, which he allegedly shares with Kabaeva. Earlier this month, Kabaeva appeared prominently during Putin’s visit to China, unveiling a new film titled Red Silk, which focuses on espionage and emphasizes the strengthening ties between Russia and China.

As investigations continue into the financial dealings surrounding the villa, the implications of this relationship between Putin and Kabaeva raise significant questions about transparency and governance in Russia.