This morning, prosecutors conducted a sudden search and seizure of the residence and offices of Igor Kolesnikov, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States Executive Committee, on charges of tax evasion, money laundering, and illegal foreign currency transfers. Kolesnikov, who is also the major shareholder of oil companies Sibneft and Logovaz, as well as Aeroflot Airlines, is…
Alexei Smirnov, chairman of Sibneft mentioned in the news, grimaced and spat out through clenched teeth:
"Prime Minister Vasily has completely lost it!"
On the television opposite the sofa where he sat, prosecutors with stern expressions were being flooded with camera flashes as they entered Kolesnikov's familiar mansion.
"I never thought they'd actually draw the knife… something about this feels off."
Igor Kolesnikov was one of President Ivanov's closest aides, a core member of the inner circle often referred to as the Ivanov Family.
To point a legal "knife" directly at Kolesnikov, who had enjoyed immense power and privileges as the so-called "Gray Cardinal of the Kremlin," was a clear challenge to President Ivanov himself.
"Moreover, this is effectively a declaration of war against the oligarchs," Smirnov muttered.
Kolesnikov, a key power broker, was also a leading figure among Russia's oligarchs.
The prosecutors' sweeping investigation into Kolesnikov, who had amassed enormous wealth and influence through dubious acquisitions of state assets, would be met with cheers from the Russian public—many of whom harbored resentment toward the oligarchs.
"By gaining public support while simultaneously cutting off Ivanov's allies, this is the perfect card for Prime Minister Vasily, who is eyeing the presidential election in two years," Smirnov noted grimly.
The problem, of course, was that Smirnov himself was an oligarch and a potential target of the purge.
Adding to the danger, Igor Kolesnikov—the current target of the prosecutors—was Smirnov's business partner in Sibneft.
In fact, Smirnov, who had started out as a middleman in the black market oil trade, owed his rise to oligarch status entirely to Kolesnikov.
That meant if Kolesnikov faltered, Smirnov's position would become extremely precarious as well.
"Damn it… why now of all times!"
Biting his lip, Smirnov slammed his fist down on the armrest of the sofa.
He had been trying to increase his control over Sibneft by acquiring state-owned shares being sold to improve national fiscal health, but now this unforeseen crisis threatened to ruin everything.
Leaning back on the sofa, Smirnov let out a long sigh as his phone rang from the inner pocket.
Frowning at the number displayed on the screen, he answered.
["Nalse."]
Hearing Kolesnikov's deep, commanding voice on the other end, Smirnov's face stiffened, and he responded in kind.
"Where are you right now?"
[In London. I flew out of Moscow on a private jet before the prosecutors could issue a travel ban.]
"The prosecutors are going berserk, tearing everything apart. They've already raided the company and turned it upside down."
[I know. They even issued an Interpol alert to catch me.]
"Then isn't London dangerous as well?"
Kolesnikov snorted and replied confidently.
[Don't worry. I've taken safety measures. Right now the prosecutors are dancing with knives thanks to Prime Minister Vasily backing them, but soon they'll realize they've grabbed a rotten lifeline.]
Smirnov, who had been secretly worried that the balance of power might tip toward Prime Minister Vasily, felt a wave of relief at Kolesnikov's unshaken composure.
[We can't talk for long, so I'll get straight to the point.]
"Go ahead."
[You'll have to sit out this upcoming government stake auction in the oil company.]
"...!"
Smirnov furrowed his brow, gripping his phone tighter.
"Because of this situation?"
[Exactly. The prosecutors are already poisoned with anger. Giving them any excuse now won't benefit us.]
"But..."
[This isn't my personal decision—it's an order straight from the Kremlin.]
Since "the Kremlin" meant President Ivanov's will, Smirnov fell silent, letting out a resigned sigh.
[Other oligarchs will also pull out of this auction. Even if it's frustrating, you must endure it.]
Realizing that the situation was worse than he had thought, Smirnov hardened his expression.
"...It's probably best to avoid the storm. I'll comply."
[Good choice. And one last thing.]
"What is it?"
[You're on the prosecutors' list too. Be careful.]
Eyes wide, Smirnov asked urgently:
"Really?"
[They're trying to use the Uhta refinery diesel theft case to trap you.]
The Uhta refinery diesel theft case involved an audacious scheme in which 55 tanker loads of diesel fuel were stolen under forged documents, disguised as if being transported to a military base, and then sold on the black market.
At the time, Smirnov had been named as the main culprit, but he was never formally charged, and the investigation eventually fizzled out.
[It seems they have evidence linking you deeply to this. It would be wise to stay in hiding for now, like I am.]
"…Understood."
[I'll contact you again later.]
Ending the call, Smirnov's face twisted in frustration.
"Damn it!"
After getting this far, to be tripped up by an unexpected obstacle, it was inevitable that irritation boiled up inside him.
Rising from the sofa, Smirnov paced the expansive chairman's office with a tense expression, trying hard to maintain his composure.
"If I get caught by the prosecutors now… who knows what I'll be subjected to."
The Uhta diesel theft case might just be a pretext. Or perhaps, since Kolesnikov had managed to flee to England ahead of them, they were aiming to grab someone closely connected instead—him.
"They'll try to pin it on me, forcing a confession to implicate Kolesnikov in some way."
With remnants of the Soviet-era justice system still deeply ingrained, it was clear that being caught now would lead to a grim fate.
Determined to evade them, Smirnov walked over to his desk and pressed the intercom button installed at one side.
[Yes, speak.]
"I need to leave for Dubai immediately. Prepare the private jet at once!"
[Understood.]
Hearing the reply, Smirnov straightened his posture and ground his teeth.
"This mess is getting worse and worse."
***
Seok-won, dressed in a white dress shirt, stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling glass window of his office, one hand tucked into his pants pocket while holding his phone to his ear.
"How did it go?"
From Moscow, Landon replied immediately.
[As you instructed, we successfully won the auction for 23% of the Sibneft shares at $740 million.]
"Good work."
[Thanks to the declared moratorium and low oil prices, the stock price had dropped significantly. Moreover, the oligarchs avoided participating in the auction because of the prosecutors' corruption investigation, so we were able to acquire the shares at a price lower than expected.]
Seok-won's face showed satisfaction.
"I heard that not only Kolesnikov but also Chairman Smirnov fled overseas to escape the investigation."
[Yes. That's why the Russian prosecutors, having failed twice, are furious. They are now conducting raids on both offices and residences, summoning former and current officials connected to Smirnov for questioning.]
Seok-won gazed out at the forest of buildings in Yeouido through the glass and responded.
"It's possible they might never be able to return to Russia."
[Governor Pavlovich found crucial evidence of their crimes and handed it over to Prime Minister Vasily's side. That could very well be the case.]
Then Landon added in admiration:
[I knew he was ex-KGB, but I'm genuinely amazed at how he managed to uncover such evidence in such a short time.]
"That just shows how capable he is. Looks like we can fully trust our Russia branch going forward."
[I agree. At first, I worried a bit whether he could handle it, but in Russia, it makes sense to leave the branch in someone like Pavlovich's hands.]
"So, roughly speaking, our work in Russia is finished?"
[Yes. That's why I plan to return to New York next week.]
"Let's do that."
After exchanging a few more words, Seok-won ended the call and lowered his phone.
He remained standing by the window, mentally organizing his plans for how to utilize the newly acquired shares, when a knock came from outside.
"Excuse me."
Secretary Na Seong-mi entered, carrying a stack of approval documents.
Seok-won watched her carefully place the rather large stack on the desk before moving from the window to take his seat.
"Another busy day, huh?"
"I'm sorry. I've tried to bring only the documents you absolutely need to review…"
"That's fine. It just means the company is running well."
Honestly, the daily accumulation of approvals was partly because he had set a lot of things in motion himself.
Seok-won settled into his chair at the desk and said,
"Could you bring me a cup of coffee?"
"Yes, sir."
As Na Seong-mi turned to leave, Seok-won suddenly seemed to remember something and called out.
"Ah, wait a moment."
Na Seong-mi looked at him in surprise as Seok-won opened a drawer and pulled out a thin envelope.
"Here, take this."
"This is…"
Catching the envelope with both hands in mild confusion, Na Seong-mi glanced around cautiously.
"It's not much, but it's a bonus."
"Pardon?"
When Na Seong-mi's eyes widened in surprise, Seok-won leaned back against his chair and smiled gently.
"Thank you for always supporting me closely, from the securities firm days until now."
"I've just been doing my job."
"Even so, your careful attention to make sure I'm never inconvenienced has been a huge help. I hope you'll continue to assist me just as well going forward."
"Sir…"
Na Seong-mi was deeply touched by Seok-won's unexpected words.
"Oh, and this is just for you. Keep it a secret from the other employees."
Seok-won winked playfully, and Na Seong-mi nodded, unable to hide her gratitude.
"Yes. Thank you very much, sir."
"All right, now you may leave."
Na Seong-mi bowed and quietly closed the door behind her before heading to the pantry to prepare his coffee. As she filled the kettle and set it to boil, she struggled to contain the overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude swelling in her chest.
At other companies, some high-ranking executives might treat their secretaries as little more than assistants handling trivial tasks.
Seok-won was different. He had recognized her efforts all along, and that acknowledgment filled her with pride and gratitude.
Na Seong-mi had always trusted and followed Seok-won sincerely, but her loyalty had just deepened.
Suddenly, she thought to check the envelope she had just received. Pulling it out, she peeked inside.
The envelope was thin, so she didn't expect cash—and indeed, there was a single check inside.
Her eyes widened as she read the amount.
[₩10,000,000 (Ten Million Won)]
"Whoa!"
The unexpectedly large sum made her instinctively open her mouth, but she quickly clamped her hand over it.
To be sure she hadn't misread it, she checked the numbers again.
"Ten million…"
Counting several times, it was indeed ten million won.
Overjoyed by the generous bonus, Na Seong-mi resolved that she would continue to trust and follow Seok-won faithfully in the future.