[free_life]

Putin's wealth ranges from $40 billion to $70 billion by most estimates. But beyond that he owns Russia and all in it including the military and intel services, every house, building and acre. In addition he controls other countries. He has his cronies who have mega fortunes also, some who became wealthy after former Russian industry leaders disappeared or passed from this earth.

Putin has leveraged his power to acquire a 4.5% ownership stake in natural gas producer Gazprom, a 37% stake in oil company Surgutneftegas and 50% stake in Swiss oil-trader Gunvor. Gazprom alone does over $150 billion in revenue annually, Guvnor does $80 billion and Surgutneftegas over $20 billion. Using their most recent market capitalizations, Putin's combined ownership stakes would give him a personal net worth of $70 billion!

Here is Putin on a Harley Trike at the 14th International Biker Rally in Sevastopol, Crimea, July 24, 2010....note the Ukraine flag in addition the Russian flag on his trike back when he owned both countries.

Another angle ... Sanctions Revive Search for Secret Putin Fortune

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/27/world/sanctions-revive-search-for-secret-putin-fortune.html

[free_life]

Interesting pic I ran across just now.

After graduating from college with a law degree, Putin spent the next 16 years working as a KGB agent. In 1988, the official White House photographer inadvertently photographed Putin spying on President Ronald Reagan while disguised as a regular Russian tourist in Moscow: