Putin Attacks 7sur7.be Siberian King of Snacks
- On September 18, 2025, the Russian government, under the direction of President Vladimir Putin, escalated its pressure on Andrey Krivenko, the founder and owner of the Siberian snack...
- KDV Group,often dubbed the "Siberian King of Snacks," has grown from a regional player to a dominant force in the Russian snack food market.Founded in the early 2000s,...
- Krivenko's public dissent began in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The Kremlin’s Crackdown on Siberian Snack Baron: A Case of Political Retribution?
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On September 18, 2025, the Russian government, under the direction of President Vladimir Putin, escalated its pressure on Andrey Krivenko, the founder and owner of the Siberian snack food empire, ”KDV group.” This action, widely interpreted as political retribution, follows Krivenko’s vocal criticism of the ongoing war in Ukraine and his subsequent relocation of some production facilities to Kazakhstan.
From Snacks to Scrutiny: The Rise of KDV Group
KDV Group,often dubbed the “Siberian King of Snacks,” has grown from a regional player to a dominant force in the Russian snack food market.Founded in the early 2000s, the company produces popular brands like “Zabava” chips and crackers, and boasts a notable market share. Krivenko’s success story, built on aggressive expansion and strategic acquisitions, made him one of Russia’s wealthiest individuals, with an estimated net worth exceeding billions of rubles.
A Public disagreement and a Swift response
Krivenko’s public dissent began in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He reportedly expressed his opposition to the war, a stance that put him at odds with the Kremlin.Following this, Krivenko initiated a shift in some of his production capacity to Kazakhstan, a move seen as a diversification strategy and a hedge against potential risks within Russia. This relocation, coupled with his anti-war statements, triggered a series of investigations and legal challenges initiated by russian authorities.
The Legal Assault: Tax Claims and Asset Freezes
Russian authorities have launched multiple tax investigations into KDV Group, alleging significant underpayment of taxes.These investigations have resulted in claims exceeding 25 billion rubles (approximately $270 million USD as of September 18, 2025). Concurrently, assets belonging to Krivenko and his company have been frozen, effectively crippling KDV Group’s operations. The timing of these actions strongly suggests a deliberate attempt to punish Krivenko for his political views.
“This isn’t about taxes. It’s about sending a message to anyone who dares to question the Kremlin’s policies. Krivenko’s success made him visible,and his opposition made him a target.”
A Pattern of Repression: Targeting Dissidents
The case of Andrey Krivenko is not isolated. It aligns with a broader pattern of repression against individuals and businesses perceived as critical of the Russian government.Numerous examples exist of entrepreneurs and public figures facing legal harassment, asset seizures, and even imprisonment after expressing dissenting opinions. This trend underscores the increasingly authoritarian nature of the Putin regime and its intolerance of opposition.
The Kremlin’s actions against Krivenko demonstrate a clear willingness to weaponize the legal system against those who challenge its authority.
Implications for the Russian Economy
The crackdown on KDV Group has broader implications for the russian economy. The company employs thousands of people, and its disruption could lead to job losses and economic instability in the regions where it operates. Moreover, the case sends a chilling affect to other entrepreneurs, discouraging investment and innovation. The long-term consequences of this political interference could be detrimental to Russia’s economic prospects.