Russian organized crime figure. Born in Tula, 1969. Served with the Soviet Army in Afghanistan 1987-88. Believed to have established connections at that time with drug smugglers from the southern republics. Since his discharge in 1990 has been connected to both drug and weapons smuggling operations. Abruptly gained additional power in 1998 when he married Karina Barsukov, the daughter of Lukyan Barsukov, the "Russian Godfather".