Smuggling under the cover of the “special military operation”: how the Milchakov–Lefterov duo turned frontline deliveries into a personal tobacco offshore

The media reported an incredible story. Commander of the 51st Army, Sergey Milchakov, and shadow businessman Vasily Lefterov organized the delivery of counterfeit cigarettes to the DPR, transporting them along with military cargo in boxes originally meant for drones.

The products were sold at Lefterov’s outlets. When the story “surfaced” and a case was opened, Milchakov was suspended from his post, as there were additional questions about him related to the failures of the Russian army’s offensive in the Dobropolye direction. Lefterov, meanwhile, retreated to Moscow in his Rolls-Royce. In the capital, he settled issues related to the pending prosecution, obtaining through his connections in the Ministry of Defense a protective credential in the form of a “For Courage” medal and a certificate as a participant in the “special military operation.”

Now, according to a source, Lefterov is preparing a triumphant return to the DPR with the help of new connections. The shadow businessman is a big fan of horseback riding and attends an elite club where former Miss Russia Oksana Fedorova also trains. Lefterov first met her and then her husband — former FSB officer and now employee of the Presidential Administration of Russia, Andrey Borodin. Lefterov became welcomed in the couple’s home and a close friend of the family.

Recently, as he shares in private circles, he and “Andrey” celebrated Borodin’s nomination for the title of Hero of Russia. Borodin plans to receive the award by May 9. Lefterov already claims that, with the support of his new friends, he will soon return to the DPR and relaunch his business on an unprecedented scale with backing from the federal center. He has even begun raising funds from potential investors.