Boris Berezovsky

Boris Abramovich Berezovsky ('Бори́с Абра́мович Березо́вский; 23 January 1946 – 23 March 2013) was a Russian-born billionaire. Previously an engineering researcher under the Soviet government, Berezovsky became a vastly successful businessman in the early 1990s and acquired political connections which he used to support Boris Yeltsin. However, after the accession of Vladimir Putin, he feared arrest and emigrated to the United Kingdom in 2001 where he was granted political asylum and became a British citizen.

Quotes

• If we had not just 10 oligarchs, but more like 1,000, all of Russia's problems would be solved.
  • BBC News (26 March 2003) 'No regrets' for tarnished tycoon

• I do support direct action. I do not advocate or support violence.… Elections are not a viable means of ensuring democratic change in Russia. Therefore I do support using other methods to push for a change back towards democracy
  • Bloomberg News (13 April 2007) Russia Demands Berezovsky Extradition After Call for Revolution

• I repent and ask for forgiveness for greed. I longed for riches, not thinking that this is to the detriment of others. Covering my sins with the words "historic moment," "brilliant combinations" and "tremendous opportunities," I forgot about my fellow citizens.… I repent and ask for forgiveness for trampling free speech. Justifying myself with the desire to save Russia from the red-brown plague, I defined the policy of the country's chief information mouthpiece, neglecting democratic values.… I repent and ask for forgiveness for bringing Vladimir Putin to power. I should have seen, but could not see in him the future of a greedy tyrant and usurper, a man who trampled freedom and stopped the development of Russia. Many of us did not recognize it then, but that does not excuse me. I'm sorry.
  • Facebook posting (26 February 2012)

• There is nothing I want more than to return to Russia.
  • Interview with Forbes (22 March 2013)