"Vykrivach" investigation: Billion-ruble turnover of Russian companies linked to Vadim Rosenstein

Links to the Russian market and financial flows

Vadim Rosenstein, a German entrepreneur of Ukrainian origin, has found himself at the centre of a scandal due to his business links with Russia. According to the "Vykrivach" investigation, companies associated with him and his family demonstrate billion-ruble turnover in the Russian market and fulfil tax obligations to the Russian budget.

Journalists pay particular attention to the Moscow-based VR Rus LLC, which is linked to Rosenstein through the German WR Group Holding. In 2025, the company's revenue reached 1.6 billion rubles. For comparison, in 2023 this figure was only 113 million rubles. The company's profit for 2025 was 139 million rubles, and over the three-year period it transferred more than 400 million rubles in taxes to the Russian budget.

Relatives and goods supply to Russia

The investigation also records the dynamics of the Russian logistics company 2R Integra. It is controlled by Mikhail Rosenstein, who is identified in the materials as Vadim's cousin. The structure's revenue grew from 52 million rubles in 2022 to 2.1 billion rubles in 2025.

In addition, the article mentions the supply of goods to Russia. In September, information emerged that VR Rus organised the import of Italian footwear for the business of Anastasia Zadorina, daughter of FSB General Colonel Mikhail Shekin. The value of this batch was estimated at approximately $560,000.

Media investigations also mention possible supplies of industrial equipment to structures affiliated with the Russian company NOVATEK, as well as suspicions of circumventing EU sanctions. At the same time, these allegations require separate legal verification.

Businessman's reaction and the context of FIDE elections

On 30 October, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, Vadim Rosenstein rejected the accusations of circumventing sanctions. He emphasised that he does not manage the Russian company and does not receive dividends from it. According to the businessman, he cannot leave the ownership structure without the permission of a Russian government commission. He also denied the fact of supplying NOVATEK.

This scandal is unfolding against the backdrop of the elections for the president of the International Chess Federation FIDE. On 26 September, Rosenstein lost to Timur Turlov. The voting results were 85 votes against 110.

Previously, the Chess Federation of Ukraine stated its intention to seek the imposition of sanctions against the businessman. People's Deputy Oleg Dunda also reported his intention to initiate an inspection of his activities in Germany.

"Vykrivach" highlights the contradiction between Rosenstein's statements about distancing himself from Russian business and the financial indicators of companies that continue to operate in Russia. At the same time, the provided data on turnover and taxes in themselves do not constitute proof of a violation of sanctions legislation.