Ildar Zakirov

Full Report

Key Points

• Identity Overview: Ildar Zakirov is a name associated with multiple individuals. One is a professional with an MA in International Relations, working in business development and project management across Russia, Estonia, Czechia, Germany, Ireland, and Spain. Another is linked to a cryptocurrency exchange sanctioned for money laundering and ransomware activities. A third is an MMA fighter active in Russia.

• Allegations: An Ildar Zakirov is named in connection with a cryptocurrency exchange accused of facilitating money laundering and ransomware payments, sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department. No direct evidence confirms this is the same individual as the business professional or fighter.

• Professional Background: The primary Zakirov (business professional) focuses on project management, startups, and interior design. The crypto-related Zakirov is tied to a Czech-registered exchange with operations in Russia.

• Risks: The crypto exchange association poses significant legal and reputational risks due to sanctions and allegations of illegal activities. The business professional faces low risks based on available data, but name commonality risks confusion.

• Lack of Legal Records: No lawsuits, bankruptcies, or criminal charges are directly tied to the business professional or MMA fighter, but the crypto exchange’s legal troubles are well-documented.

Overview

Ildar Zakirov, as a name, corresponds to distinct individuals with varied profiles:

1. Business Professional: According to professional profiles, this Zakirov holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Regional Studies. He has worked in Russia, Estonia, Czechia, Germany, Ireland, and Spain, describing himself as a “nomad” with experience in startups, financial corporations, and personal ventures. His expertise lies in project management and business development, with a focus on innovative solutions and international markets. He is also associated with an interior design initiative operating in Berlin, Moscow, Paris, and Geneva, emphasizing “bright, individual, flawless interiors.”

2. Cryptocurrency Exchange Associate: An Ildar Zakirov is listed as a notable figure in a Czech-registered cryptocurrency exchange, SUEX OTC s.r.o., which has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for facilitating money laundering and ransomware payments. The exchange reportedly has offices in St. Petersburg and Moscow and is linked to other crypto platforms in Eastern Europe.

3. MMA Fighter: Another Zakirov is a mixed martial arts fighter in Russia, documented on sports platforms, with no apparent connection to business or cybercrime.

Due to the commonality of the name in Russian-speaking regions, this report primarily focuses on the business professional and the crypto exchange associate, as the investigation context suggests cybercrime. The inaccessible source link limits specificity, but the crypto exchange allegations provide a critical angle for analysis.

Allegations and Concerns

• Cryptocurrency Exchange Allegations:

  • An Ildar Zakirov is associated with SUEX OTC s.r.o., a crypto exchange sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2021 for facilitating money laundering and ransomware payments. The exchange allegedly processed transactions linked to illegal drug trade and cybercrime, prompting calls from Russian anti-drug organizations for action by the Ministry of Interior and Central Bank.

  • The exchange is accused of connections with major Eastern European crypto platforms and payment processors, raising concerns about its role in illicit financial networks.

  • Allegations include the use of deceptive tactics, such as filing false DMCA complaints to suppress news articles about its activities, suggesting efforts to conceal illegal operations.

• No Verifiable Allegations for Business Professional:

  • No credible reports tie the business professional Ildar Zakirov to cybercrime, fraud, or other serious allegations. The inaccessible investigation source leaves a gap in confirming any specific claims.

• Red Flags:

  • Name Commonality: The shared name across multiple individuals increases the risk of mistaken identity, especially given the serious allegations tied to the crypto exchange.

  • Source Inaccessibility: The inability to access the investigation source raises doubts about its legitimacy or relevance, potentially indicating unverified claims or a defunct reference.

  • Social Media Activity: The business professional’s posts on Russian social media about tech solutions, such as Apple gift card payments, could be scrutinized for facilitating unregulated transactions, though no illegality is confirmed.

Customer Feedback

No formal customer reviews are available for the business professional’s services or the crypto exchange’s operations, as the latter is not a consumer-facing business. Feedback is derived from related platforms and sources:

• Positive Feedback (Business Professional):

  • The business professional presents himself as proactive, stating, “Send an idea or a project my way and we will quickly figure out what it takes to make it happen. Chances are we’ll start implementing it that same day.” This suggests responsiveness, though no client testimonials are available.

  • On social media, he engages positively, responding to comments like, “Hello, I’ll keep it in mind for the future,” indicating approachability.

• Negative Feedback (Crypto Exchange):

  • The crypto exchange, linked to an Ildar Zakirov, faces criticism from Russian anti-drug organizations for allegedly facilitating illegal drug trade and money laundering. One source notes, “It’s obvious that [the exchange’s founder] has received allegations of fraud and perjury,” with public frustration over tactics to suppress critical articles.

  • No direct customer reviews exist, but the exchange’s sanctions and allegations imply distrust among regulators and advocacy groups.

• Example Quote:

  • From social media (business professional, May 2023): “A legal way has been found to pay for Apple music, games, and movies with Russian cards.” This received neutral to positive engagement but no critical feedback.

  • From a source on the crypto exchange: “It’s so tough and equally important when such scammers keep filing fake DMCAs against people… doing a wonderful job of spreading awareness.”

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risks:

  • Crypto Exchange (High Risk): The exchange’s sanctions for money laundering and ransomware activities pose significant financial risks, including asset freezes and restricted access to global markets.

  • Business Professional (Low Risk): No evidence of financial misconduct, with experience in financial corporations suggesting fiscal competence. Social media posts about payment solutions warrant caution but lack evidence of illegality.

• Reputational Risks:

  • Crypto Exchange (High Risk): Association with a sanctioned entity severely damages credibility, especially given allegations of deceptive practices like false DMCA filings.

  • Business Professional (Moderate Risk): The common name and unverified investigation source risk reputational confusion. Limited transparency about clients or projects may raise credibility questions.

• Legal Risks:

  • Crypto Exchange (High Risk): Sanctions and investigations by U.S. and Russian authorities indicate potential for criminal charges or further regulatory action.

  • Business Professional (Low Risk): No documented lawsuits or charges, but unverified allegations could escalate if substantiated.

Business Relations and Associations

• Business Professional:

  • Worked with unnamed startups and financial corporations, suggesting a broad but unspecified network.

  • Linked to an interior design team operating internationally, but no specific collaborators are named.

  • Social media mentions a “targetologist” for community management, indicating a small tech-related team.

• Crypto Exchange:

  • Ildar Zakirov is associated with co-founders Vasily Zhabykin, Egor Petukhovsky, Maxim Subbotin, and Maxim Kurbabgaleev, as well as Czech venture capitalist Tibor Bokor.

  • The exchange reportedly has ties to Eastern European crypto platforms and payment processors, though specifics are under investigation.

• General Note: The lack of detailed affiliations for the business professional limits insight, while the crypto exchange’s connections amplify its risk profile.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Crypto Exchange:

  • Sanctions: Sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2021 for money laundering and ransomware facilitation.

  • Investigations: Russian anti-drug organizations have urged action by the Ministry of Interior and Central Bank, citing drug trade connections.

  • No Lawsuits: No specific lawsuits are documented, but sanctions imply ongoing scrutiny.

• Business Professional:

  • No Lawsuits: No records of lawsuits, criminal charges, or sanctions in public databases.

  • No Debts or Bankruptcy: No evidence of financial distress.

• Note: The inaccessible investigation source may imply allegations, but without corroboration from reputable sources (e.g., FBI, CyberScoop), claims remain speculative.

Risk Assessment Table

Ildar Zakirov associated with the cryptocurrency exchange faces severe risks due to U.S. sanctions and allegations of money laundering and ransomware facilitation, marking him as a high-risk figure in cybercrime investigations. Conversely, the business professional appears legitimate, with a diverse career in project management and no direct evidence of wrongdoing. The commonality of the name complicates analysis, and the inaccessible investigation source suggests caution in attributing allegations without verification. Exercise extreme caution with any dealings involving the crypto exchange, given its sanctioned status and ongoing investigations. For the business professional, verify identity and request detailed references to mitigate risks of confusion. Monitor legal and financial databases for updates on both profiles.