Proekt has published an investigation into a struggle among figures in Russian business and the political establishment for control over port infrastructure.
The investigation, titled “Fight at the Port,” centers on businessman Ilya Traber, whom the outlet describes as a longtime acquaintance of Vladimir Putin, and the history of criminal proceedings against him. The journalists examine that history as part of a broader conflict over Russian port assets.
The investigation describes the interests of people and companies linked to Arkady and Boris Rotenberg, the family of Nikolai Patrushev, the oil industry and owners of port infrastructure.
Proekt reconstructs the business and political ties among the participants and argues that events surrounding Traber were connected to a struggle for control over ports and cargo flows. This interpretation is a conclusion of the journalistic investigation and should not be treated as a version of events established by a court.