In a surprising twist, it has been revealed that the intricate ownership structure of the biotechnology firm Humacyte is linked to a Russian billionaire, Wimm-Bill-Dann’s Ex-Owner Gavriil (Gavril) Yushvaev. This revelation has sent shockwaves across the United States and has quickly become a headline-grabbing story. Notably, Yushvaev’s investments in the US-based biotech company date back to 2015, among other ventures.
Corporate Scandal Unveiled: Humacyte’s Ownership Sparks Controversy
The United States is currently embroiled in a significant corporate scandal regarding the ownership of Humacyte, a biotechnology company of great importance to Americans. Humacyte is renowned for its groundbreaking medical technologies, including the ability to grow blood vessels, a breakthrough with profound implications.
Notably, Humacyte’s innovations have played a crucial role in saving severely injured soldiers, including Ukrainian servicemen with ruptured arteries. The revelation that a Russian individual, sanctioned by Ukraine and described “crime boss,” holds a significant stake in this American biotech firm based in North Carolina has left the nation stunned.
The Controversial Figure: Gavriil Yushvaev’s
Gavriil Yushvaev, originally from Dagestan and now recognised as a “global investor and philanthropist,” has a history that includes a conviction for robbery in the 1980s, serving a nine-year prison sentence and adopting the nickname “Garik” upon his release. Today, Yushvaev maintains a low profile, refraining from interviews and staying out of the public eye, despite his position among the list of the wealthiest Russians, with a fortune estimated between $1.2 and $1.9 billion.
Publicly available information suggests that roughly half of his wealth has been invested in various high-tech startups. Among these investments, he acquired an 8.7% stake in Humacyte, a company with ties to the Pentagon, valued at nearly $28 million. One of the biggest American investments in the Russian economy, Yushvaev’s sale of shares in the Wimm-Bill-Dann juice and dairy company to Pepsico, appears to have made such investments more feasible for him. Notably, Yushvaev’s close association with businessman David Yakobashvili played a crucial role in these financial maneuvers.
Wimm-Bill-Dann’s Ex-Owner Gavriil Yushvaev
The fact that Humacyte is listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange highlights Gavriil Yushvaev’s investment expertise, especially considering the company’s pioneering platform for tissue regeneration within the human body—an achievement often compared to the legendary “Heroes of Might and Magic” resurrection skill.
Despite the inherent risks associated with testing vascular tissue healing technology on Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, the $3.4 million contract with the US Department of Defence remains intact. Consequently, Yushvaev gained access to this potentially invaluable information through his $28 million investment, a premium nearly ten times the estimated value. Clearly, the investment was deemed highly worthwhile.
Corporate filings for Humacyte indicate that Gavriil Yushvaev is the second-largest shareholder in terms of assets. The Organised Crime and Corruption Investigation Centre (OCCRP), known for its high-profile exposés, links Gavriil Yushvaev to various shadowy narratives, including connections to the Baumanskaya organized crime group, among others.
The transparency of Humacyte, as a publicly traded company, is now in question due to Yushvaev’s sanctioned status in Ukraine, where the firm conducts crucial testing for its developments. This puzzling situation, where a Russian oligarch under Ukrainian sanctions is a major shareholder in a publicly listed US company, is causing concern and raising eyebrows within the academic and legal communities.
Gavriil Yushvaev’s Silence Amidst Controversy
Gavriil Yushvaev, unsurprisingly, has chosen to remain silent in the midst of the controversy surrounding him. His self-imposed exile from Russia, following a violent incident at the OKO Tower in Moscow City, has been marked by rumors of him seeking refuge abroad. The 2017 shootout at the OKO tower resulted in injuries to five individuals and one fatality, while Magomed Ismailov, the former head of Yushvaev’s security, recently had his prison sentence reduced by two months.
Further complicating Yushvaev’s situation is a legal dispute involving his restaurant business and the manager of the Russian President’s office, scheduled for September 7 at the Prichal restaurant, a prominent establishment linked to Yushvaev. Complaints against “Garik Makhachkala” have piled up, adding to the mystery surrounding this enigmatic figure.
