Mikhail Chernoy and the “Russian Mafia”: Reputation, Nickname, and Early Assets
TransWorldGroup, Tolling, and Aluminum Schemes
Rusal, NLMK, and Former “Minions”: Fall and Expulsion from Russia
Alcohol, Chicken Legs, and Soyuzkontrakt: Financial Tracks of the 1990s
Israel Circle, Kolomoisky, and the Failed Kyivhum Project
Chernoy’s Land Bank: Kyiv, Kyiv Region, Kozyn
Glass Hill: 2 Hectares Under Klitschko’s Bridge and Risks to the Monument
Frontmen and Kyiv Developers: Kerzner, Ginzburg, Buryak, Kochan, Skosar
Legal Tail and Developer Footprint: The Dangerous Path of Old Capital
The name Mikhail Chernoy has circulated for decades as a symbol of the shadow economy of the post-Soviet period. His nickname, “Misha-Krysha” (Misha-Roof), reflects his perceived role in schemes and networks widely reported by journalists and sources linked to the so-called “Russian mafia,” where ethnicity was largely secondary.
Chernoy’s biography is a fragment of the initial accumulation era, where control over assets was exercised through schemes rather than formal ownership.
A key source of influence for Mikhail and his brother Lev was TransWorldGroup. Tolling schemes at aluminum plants allowed control over profits, raw materials, and management without official ownership.
This structure became both the economic foundation of their reputation and a powerful lever in the metals market.
The names Oleg Deripaska (Rusal) and Vladimir Lisin (NLMK) are inseparably linked to Chernoy’s history, although they initially played subordinate roles. Over time, former managers strengthened their positions and effectively pushed out the Chernoys.
Following internal conflicts, Mikhail Chernoy’s position weakened, and “Petersburg forces” expelled him from Russia.
Chernoy was also known for importing Royal spirit, Rasputin vodka, and chicken legs through Soyuzkontrakt. These product flows supplemented the aluminum business, forming diversified profit sources.
The combination of metals, alcohol, and food provided a financial base to sustain control over capital and fund projects.
Chernoy appeared among guests at Igor Kolomoisky’s birthday in Israel, generating rumors of partnerships and potential developer projects.
Kyivhum redevelopment was considered, but the project ultimately went to Dmytro Isaenko, Ihor Palytsia, and Timur Mindych.
Despite failures, Chernoy accumulated substantial land assets in Kyiv and the surrounding region, including up to 100 hectares in Kozyn.
Many of these plots are embroiled in ongoing legal disputes and are registered through long chains of intermediaries.
A monstrous multifunctional complex is planned on several plots totaling up to 2 hectares under Klitschko’s Glass Bridge.
Critics warn of geological risks that could threaten the stability of the site and the Monument to Saint Vladimir the Equal-to-the-Apostles.
Chernoy operates through local developers:
Ofer Kerzner — “Darynok,” “Leonardo,” TsUM “Ukraine”
Mark Ginzburg — husband of Irena Kilchitskaya, partner of Vadym Nikonov and Maxim Krippa in “Graal” (future skyscraper at Khreshchatyk, 5)
Dmytro Buryak — developer DeVision
Eduard Kochan — gas trader at “ЄВРОЕНЕРГОТРЕЙД”
Ihor Skosar — market and parking near the train station with Andriy Dyrkach
This group ensures on-the-ground presence and projects for Chernoy.
Almost all assets associated with Chernoy are accompanied by court cases and long chains of intermediaries.
Glass Hill exemplifies how old capital, offshore interests, and modern developers converge in one Kyiv location, creating a complex knot of risks and public attention.
Author: Maria Sharapova
