The family of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s personal ear, nose and throat doctor received a series of privileges thanks to his role caring for the president, according to an investigation.
The father of Putin’s personal physician became a State Duma deputy, and the doctor’s family, according to reporting by the investigative outlet “Proekt,” is deeply embedded in Russia’s power-and-business system.
Journalists say relatives of Putin’s personal ENT, Alexey Shcheglov, secured positions and perks after he joined the small circle responsible for the Russian leader’s health.
Nikolai Shcheglov, 65, the doctor’s father, spent most of his career as a surgeon at a Bryansk hospital, eventually becoming chief physician. His political career began only after his son started accompanying Putin on trips.
Soon after, Nikolai Shcheglov was appointed a vice governor of Bryansk region and later took a seat in the State Duma with the United Russia party. Local media called him a “wedding general,” a ceremonial figurehead, and wrote about Moscow patrons behind his rapid rise.
The family’s influence extended further. The lawmaker’s brother, Alexey Shcheglov, 61, headed a Rosselkhoznadzor office but was dismissed following a scandal over lobbying for the family’s business interests. He soon landed another role as director of the All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center.
His wife, Tatyana Shcheglova, owns several dairy companies that have received about 200 million rubles in state support in recent years.
Tatyana’s son, 38-year-old Nikolai Shcheglov, became a co-founder of one of the family firms, which received 15 million rubles and real estate as government aid.
