Overview

Aras Iskenderovich Agalarov is an Azerbaijani-Russian billionaire and founder of the Crocus Group; one of Russia's largest commercial real estate and entertainment conglomerates. He became a central figure in the Trump-Russia investigation due to his role in facilitating connections between the Trump family and Russian government-linked individuals. In November 2013; Agalarov partnered with Trump to bring the Miss Universe pageant to Moscow; hosting it at the Agalarov family's Crocus City Hall. During the trip; Trump and Agalarov discussed building a Trump Tower Moscow; and Trump reportedly stayed at Agalarov's property. The business relationship between the families deepened; with Agalarov's pop star son Emin becoming close with Donald Trump Jr. In June 2016; Emin's publicist Rob Goldstone emailed Donald Trump Jr. on behalf of the Agalarovs; offering damaging information about Hillary Clinton that he described as "part of Russia and its government's support for Mr. Trump." This email led directly to the infamous June 9; 2016 Trump Tower meeting where Trump Jr.; Jared Kushner; and Paul Manafort met with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya; Russian-American lobbyist Rinat Akhmetshin; and others. The Mueller investigation extensively examined the Agalarov family's role as intermediaries between Russian interests and the Trump campaign. Aras Agalarov received the "Order of Honor" from Vladimir Putin in 2013; indicating a close relationship with the Kremlin. He was subpoenaed by the Senate Judiciary Committee but; being a Russian citizen; never testified. Forbes estimated his net worth at approximately $2.1 billion. In March 2024; the Crocus City Hall complex was the site of a devastating terrorist attack by ISIS-K that killed 145 people.

Key Affiliations

Controversies & Concerns

Related Investigations (2)

Known Associates & Connections

Sources & Documentation

3 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports