Serial entrepreneur Oleg Tinkov has renounced his Russian citizenship, saying he doesn’t need to be related to “fascism” or individuals who collaborate with “killers.”
In an Instagram publish printed on Tuesday, the 54-year-old founding father of Tinkoff Financial institution wrote: “I made a decision to resign my Russian citizenship after Russia invasion of unbiased Ukraine. I’m in opposition to this struggle, and the killing of peaceable individuals.”
Tinkov, whose upstart digital bank card firm, TCS Group Holding, grew to change into considered one of Russia’s largest monetary establishments, has been an outspoken critic of the invasion and President Vladimir Putin.
He was compelled to promote his 35% stake in TCS, Tinkoff Financial institution’s guardian, to Russian metals magnate Vladimir Potanin in April, following a string of anti-war feedback.
Tinkov stated an unique Instagram publish printed on Monday, with an image of a certificates renouncing his citizenship as of Oct. 26, had “mysteriously disappeared.”
Tinkov additionally stated on Tuesday he was suing to power the financial institution to cease utilizing his identify.
“My identify shouldn’t be related to fascism,” Tinkov stated. “I hate when my model/identify is related to the financial institution that collaborates with killers and blood.”
The financial institution, for its half, stated it had full authorized rights to using the Tinkoff model, the TASS information company reported.
The tycoon, who has likened himself to British billionaire Richard Branson and was value virtually $10 billion at his peak, launched electronics, frozen meals and beer manufacturers earlier than organising Tinkoff Financial institution within the mid-2000s.
Earlier than he bought his stake, Britain imposed sanctions on Tinkov, saying he was “receiving advantages from the Russian authorities” by his stake in a systemically vital firm.
Tinkov is believed to dwell in London, the place he underwent years of remedy for leukemia. He says he now has no enterprise pursuits in Russia.
Tinkoff beforehand held U.S. citizenship, however renounced that across the time Tinkoff Financial institution went public in 2013 in what Washington stated was an try and keep away from tax liabilities.
Tinkov reached a $500 million settlement with the Justice Division final 12 months.
