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Post author By Mike Nova
Post date September 9, 2025
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The Gusinsky’s Revenge

Part 2 | Part 1

The Investigation in tweets

The Deus ex machina

Vladimir Gusinsky and Mikhail Lesin were two influential Russian media figures involved in the post-Soviet media landscape. Gusinsky, a prominent media mogul and founder of the NTV television network, had a contentious relationship with the Kremlin and ultimately fled Russia. Lesin, a former press minister and media advisor to the Kremlin, was instrumental in shaping the state-controlled media and played a key role in developing the industry. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]

Here’s a breakdown of their roles and interactions:

Vladimir Gusinsky: [1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16]

Media Mogul: Gusinsky was a highly successful businessman who founded NTV, the first major independent television network in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Controversial Figure:His media outlets were critical of the government, leading to ongoing conflict with the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putin.
Fled Russia: After facing criminal charges and pressure from the government, Gusinsky was forced to flee Russia in 2000.
Later Life: He continued to be involved in media, though his influence in Russia diminished.

Mikhail Lesin: [1, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24]

Government Official and Advisor:Lesin served as Russia’s Minister of Press, Television, and Radio, and later as an advisor to President Putin.
Shaped State Media: He played a significant role in establishing and controlling state-aligned media, often working to consolidate power and promote the Kremlin’s agenda.
Controversial Figure: Like Gusinsky, Lesin was a complex and controversial figure, with critics accusing him of suppressing media freedom.
Mysterious Death: Lesin died in 2015 under circumstances that remain debated, with some sources attributing his death to natural causes and others suggesting foul play.

Key Interaction: [1, 25]

Gusinsky and Lesin’s paths crossed when Lesin was in a position of power within the government and Gusinsky was a target. Lesin was instrumental in the crackdown on independent media, including NTV, and ultimately contributed to the decline of Gusinsky’s media empire.

In essence, Gusinsky represented the struggle for independent media in Russia, while Lesin represented the state’s efforts to control the narrative. [1, 26, 27, 28]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Putin

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Gusinsky

[3] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/archive/the-mysterious-death-of-the-man-behind-putins-media-machine

[4] https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/putin-gives-a-master-class-on-why-autocrats-control-the-media/

[5] https://www.npr.org/transcripts/147653086

[6] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/archive/the-mysterious-death-of-the-man-behind-putins-media-machine

[7] https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/11/us/former-putin-aide-found-in-washington-died-from-blows-to-head.html

[8] https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-lesin-us-lawsuit/26520469.html

[9] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/mar/16/mikhail-lesin-putin-adviser-death-washington-neck-fracture

[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUEPjzNJqRg

[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRBMyCkDNGM

[12] https://www.rferl.org/a/33503187.html

[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUEPjzNJqRg

[14] https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/russia-s-interference-in-the-us-judiciary-2/

[15] https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhyatt/2022/03/18/meet-the-man-who-whispers-in-putins-ear/

[16] https://www.britannica.com/money/Vladimir-Gusinsky

[17] https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/11/us/former-putin-aide-found-in-washington-died-from-blows-to-head.html

[18] https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-lesin-us-lawsuit/26520469.html

[19] https://www.dw.com/en/former-russian-press-minister-mikhail-lesin-dies-in-washington/a-18833676

[20] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/11/06/russian-lesin-dead-washington-hotel-millionaire/75333508/

[21] https://www.britannica.com/money/Vladimir-Gusinsky

[22] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/archive/the-mysterious-death-of-the-man-behind-putins-media-machine

[23] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-08/controversial-russian-media-mogul-found-dead-in-washington/6921822

[24] https://qz.com/637243/the-mysterious-death-of-a-putin-crony-is-now-blamed-on-blunt-force-injuries-of-the-head

[25] https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Vladimir_Gusinsky

[26] https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/11/us/former-putin-aide-found-in-washington-died-from-blows-to-head.html

[27] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRBMyCkDNGM

[28] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/archive/the-mysterious-death-of-the-man-behind-putins-media-machine

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At the FBI’s request, Gusinsky’s U.S. visa was revoked in 2022. He subsequently left the United States for Israel in January 2023, the day after McGonigal’s arrest. – Google Search google.com/search?q=At+the+F… It is accurate that Russian-born media mogul Vladimir Gusinsky’s U.S. visa waiver was revoked in 2022 at the FBI’s request, and he subsequently left for Israel in January 2023, the day after former FBI agent Charles McGonigal was arrested. Gusinsky was never charged with a crime but drew FBI scrutiny for his connection to McGonigal. [1, 2, 3] Key details of Gusinsky’s departure: • Visa revocation In 2022, the FBI requested the cancellation of Gusinsky’s visa waiver. This happened afte

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share.google/aimode/P3zIVnbd… Business ties: According to Gusinsky’s ex-wife, he frequently boasted of having strong ties to the FBI. This connection began in the 1990s when he hired a Washington communications firm to build relationships in U.S. political circles. Revoked visa: At the FBI’s request, Gusinsky’s U.S. visa was revoked in 2022. He subsequently left the United States for Israel in January 2023, the day after McGonigal’s arrest. No charges filed: Despite the scrutiny and investigation into his finances, Gusinsky has not been charged with any crime related to the McGonigal case.

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Gusinsky and the FBI – Google Search google.com/search?q=Gusinsky… As of 2025, Russian oligarch Vladimir Gusinsky is under scrutiny by the FBI due to his connections to former top FBI agent Charles McGonigal. While Gusinsky has not been charged with a crime, agents have questioned his former wife and employees about their relationship. [1, 2, 3, 4] Context of the FBI scrutiny • McGonigal’s conviction: Charles McGonigal, the former head of counterintelligence in the FBI’s New York office, pleaded guilty to sanctions evasion and money laundering. McGonigal was later sentenced to four years in prison. • Associates’ involvement: McGonigal’s indictment was linked to Sergei Shestakov, a former Rus

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Was the Mikhail Lesin suspicious death in 2015 investigated by the Washington , D.C. police or the FBI? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Was+the+… – Was the Mikhail Lesin suspicious death in 2015 investigated by the Washington , D.C. police or the FBI? Both the Washington D.C. police and the FBI were involved in the investigation into the 2015 death of Russian media executive Mikhail Lesin. Here is a breakdown of their roles: D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD): The MPD initially conducted the death investigation, as the body was found in a hotel in its jurisdiction. FBI: The FBI assisted the MPD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia throughout the investigatio

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Under what circumstances does the FBI usually reopen the suspicious death cases? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Under+wh… Mistakes in the original investigation: If evidence surfaces that indicates the original investigation was botched or inadequate, a new inquiry may be warranted. – The FBI is generally not the primary investigator for suspicious death cases, which are typically handled by state and local authorities. The FBI will only open or reopen an investigation in limited circumstances that fall under federal jurisdiction or when local agencies specifically request assistance. [1, 2, 3] New and compelling evidence A case can be reopened, regardless of how long ago it was closed,

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Office of Public Affairs | Investigation into the Death of Mikhail Lesin Has Closed | United States Department of Justice justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/… Manner of Death Determined an Accident The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from the FBI, have concluded a comprehensive investigation into the death last year of Mikhail Lesin, 57, a Russian political figure, media executive and adviser to Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. As a result of the almost year-long investigation, the Chief Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia has amended Lesin’s manner of death from “undetermined” to “accident” with acut

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Office of Public Affairs | Investigation into the Death of Mikhail Lesin Has Closed | United States Department of Justice justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/…

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Was the Mikhail Lesin suspicious death in 2015 investigated by the Washington , D.C. police or the FBI? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Was+the+… The joint investigation was concluded in October 2016. At that time, the D.C. Chief Medical Examiner changed the manner of death from “undetermined” to “accident,” citing blunt force injuries from falls and acute ethanol intoxication. However, this finding has been disputed by others, and Lesin’s death continues to be a subject of speculation.

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Was the Mikhail Lesin suspicious death in 2015 investigated by the Washington , D.C. police or the FBI? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Was+the+…

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Why the FBI does not open the case of the suspicious death of Mikhail Lesin? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Why+the+… AI Overview . After assisting the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI helped determine that Lesin’s death was an accident and the case was officially closed in October 2016.The FBI is not investigating the death of Mikhail Lesin because its involvement ended with the conclusion of the official investigationDetails from the official investigation:Initial findings: Lesin was found dead in a Washington, D.C. hotel room on November 5, 2015, with blunt force injuries to his head, neck, and torso. The initial manner of death was ruled “undete

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Why the FBI does not reopen the case of the suspicious death of Mikhail Lesin? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Why+the+… Despite the rumors and counter-claims, without new official evidence, the FBI is unlikely to reopen a case that has been officially closed and ruled an accident. – The FBI has not reopened the case of Mikhail Lesin’s death because the official investigation, which it assisted, concluded his death was an accident. In 2016, following a year-long investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the D.C. Medical Examiner ruled that Lesin died from blunt force injuries sustained during a series of falls in his hotel room while he was severely intox

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Was Charles McGonigal the FBI official who ruled the Mikhail Lesin’s suspicious death the “accident” in October 2016? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Was+Char…

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Vladimir Gusinsky and the suspicious death of Mikhail Lesin – Google Search google.com/search?q=Vladimir… While both figures were involved in power dynamics within Russia that ended with Gusinsky’s exile and Lesin’s death, there is no publicly available information or credible report suggesting a connection between Vladimir Gusinsky and the events surrounding Mikhail Lesin’s suspicious death.

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Vladimir Gusinsky and Mikhail Lesin – Google Search google.com/search?q=Vladimir… In 2000, Lesin presented Gusinsky with the “shares-for-freedom” deal that led to the takeover of Gusinsky’s media empire. Lesin later helped found the Kremlin’s international propaganda network, RT. – Vladimir Gusinsky and Mikhail Lesin .Vladimir Gusinsky is a Russian media magnate who was forced into exile by Vladimir Putin’s government, with the help of former Kremlin media czar Mikhail Lesin, who later died under mysterious circumstances Vladimir Gusinsky Forced exile: Gusinsky, once one of Russia’s most influential businessmen, founded Russia’s first private TV channel, NTV. After his media outlets began ai

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In 2000, Lesin presented Gusinsky with the “shares-for-freedom” deal that led to the takeover of Gusinsky’s media empire – Google Search google.com/search?q=In+2000%… – Yes, in 2000, Russia’s Press Minister Mikhail Lesin presented media magnate Vladimir Gusinsky with a “shares-for-freedom” deal that led to the takeover of Gusinsky’s Media-Most empire by the state-controlled energy giant Gazprom. [1, 2, 3] Here’s how the deal unfolded: • Political pressure and arrest: After Vladimir Putin’s election as president in May 2000, the Kremlin targeted Gusinsky, whose media holdings—including the independent NTV television network—had been critical of the government. Gusinsky was arrested in June 20

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share.google/aimode/3mK5I77m… In 2000, Lesin presented Gusinsky with the “shares-for-freedom” deal that led to the takeover of Gusinsky’s media empire – .Yes, in 2000, Mikhail Lesin presented the “shares-for-freedom” deal to Vladimir Gusinsky, which led to the state-controlled takeover of Gusinsky’s independent media conglomerate, Media-Most Details of the deal: The offer During his imprisonment in June 2000 on politically motivated fraud charges, Gusinsky was visited by Lesin, who was then Russia’s Press Minister. Lesin offered Gusinsky his freedom and the dropping of all criminal charges in exchange for selling Media-Most to Gazprom-Media, the media arm of the state-controlled natural gas

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Suspicious Minds: Medical Experts Cast Doubt On Lesin Autopsy rferl.org/a/of-suspicious-mi… The autopsy report obtained by RFE/RL following more than two years of litigation over Freedom Of Information Act requests is incomplete; some pages are heavily redacted; signatures are whited out. But the details of laboratory results, observations by pathologists from the chief medical examiner’s office and Georgetown University hospital, and an unidentified forensic anthropologist are included in relatively precise detail. – “I’ve done 12,000 autopsies over my career,” said Donald Jason, a forensic pathology consultant and retired professor from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Ca

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United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope to “perhaps change the trajectory not just of [U.S.] relationship with Georgia, but of their behavior” as he responded to the question of Rep. Joe Wilson during a hearing at the House Foreign Affairs Committee on June 3.

Rep. Wilson, a fierce critic of Georgian Dream rule, asked Rubio what “should be done to address the rapidly expanding radicalization promoted by the Georgian Dream government in the Republic of Georgia.” Apparently referring to the GD government, Wilson said: “The pro-Iranian regime — and the Chinese Communist Party supported Georgian Dream government, which is illegitimate — threatened American access. There was a rigged election in Georgia. With that in mind, they’re facilitating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard in evading sanctions to Tehran.”

Responding to Rep. Wilson, Secretary Rubio said: “You’re right. Everything you just outlined is our preexisting concerns, since that time they’ve made some steps indicating to us they want to improve relations with the United States, we’ve outlined to them what that would take, what that would require, we have seen some positive responses, and so our hope is that we can see a change in trajectory in the case of Georgia from where it is today.”

Rubio called Rep. Wilson’s points “preexisting problems for us,” noting that “they [Tbilisi] have asked us what will it take to have a better relationship with the United States, we’ve responded, and hopefully we can build on that basis and perhaps change the trajectory not just of our relationship with Georgia, but of their behavior.”

The remarks come amid continued uncertainty, but also intensifying contacts, in Tbilisi–Washington relations. After a prolonged period of strain in bilateral ties, recent months have seen increased engagement between officials from the two countries, including a phone call between Secretary Rubio and Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, as well as repeated visits to Tbilisi by U.S. State Department representatives.

In a statement that followed the latest such visit late in May, the U.S. delegation said that during the meeting with GD officials, the sides discussed “a path forward for improving bilateral relations,” stressing the need for “a stable domestic political climate that facilitates opposition engagement,” among others, for a sustainable strategic partnership between the two countries.

The United States, under the Joe Biden administration, suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia, a traditional ally, in November 2024 during the Tbilisi protests and later in the same year imposed sanctions on the ruling party’s billionaire founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili. The Donald Trump administration has yet to reverse those decisions.

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