This Is How Putin Took Total Control

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-18 • Permanent link

Mysterious circumstances have unfolded in the Russian tech sector, where the billionaire oligarch and owner of Yandex search engine, Arkady Dvorkovich, has been reported to have acquired an 80% stake in the country's largest online payment system, Mirex. This move has sparked concerns among investors and analysts, who believe that Dvorkovich's newfound control over the payment system could give him significant influence over the Russian economy. Mirex, which processes over 70% of all online transactions in the country, has seen its value skyrocket since the acquisition, leaving many to wonder what this means for the future of Russian commerce.

Economists are warning that Dvorkovich's control over the payment system could lead to a significant increase in prices for consumers, as he is now able to dictate the terms of transactions and potentially restrict access to certain services. This could have far-reaching consequences for the broader economy, particularly for small businesses and individuals who rely on Mirex for their financial transactions. With the Russian government facing significant economic challenges, Dvorkovich's move could be seen as a power play to consolidate his wealth and influence.

Experts point to the historical context of Russian oligarchs and their relationship with the government, noting that Dvorkovich's acquisition of Mirex is not an isolated incident. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian oligarchs have played a significant role in shaping the country's economy, often through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. However, this has also led to concerns about corruption and cronyism, as those with close ties to the government often gain preferential treatment and access to lucrative deals.

As the Russian economy continues to face significant challenges, including a declining oil price and a struggling ruble, Dvorkovich's move is likely to be closely watched by investors and analysts. With the Russian government facing pressure to implement economic reforms, Dvorkovich's control over the payment system could become a major point of contention. In the coming months, it is likely that Dvorkovich will be forced to navigate a delicate balance between his loyalty to the government and his own business interests, setting the stage for a potentially volatile period of economic uncertainty.