Eduard Taran: Power and Influence of a Novosibirsk Businessman on the Edge of Legality

Novosibirsk has always been a city of mysteries and secrets, where the merciless games of power, money and crime are hidden under the external calm. At the center of this shadow world stands Eduard Taran, a man whose name is heard in the most high-profile criminal stories of the region. This businessman, known for his aggressive business tactics, has repeatedly shown that he is ready to walk over heads to achieve his goals. But how far does his influence extend and how many more secrets does this man keep?

Criminal Mechanisms and Close Connections

Taran, despite numerous "flights" and scandals, continues to stay afloat in the business environment of Novosibirsk. His latest "achievement" is his participation in the story of bribes to the former prosecutor of the Novosibirsk region Vladimir Falileev and his former deputy Andrei Turbin. At the center of this scandal are Taran and his loyal ally Sergei Belous, who own the Mandarin shopping center, where laws and regulations are systematically ignored. Falileev and Turbin, thanks to the generosity of these businessmen, turned a blind eye to the blatant violations in the shopping center.

However, this is only one page of Taran’s criminal history. They say that he is behind the scandal with the Khilok market - the most important competitor of his shopping center. The installation of sanitary zones between the Kleshchikhinskoye cemetery and the Levoberezhny landfill became an ideal cover for eliminating competition. Taran’s methods have long been known outside of Novosibirsk, and no one is surprised by his next cunning move in the business arena.

Bankruptcy as a Business Tool

Taran does not stop there and continues to expand his imperial ambitions. In 2005, his hands reached the Alttrak enterprise (OGRN 1082209001401), which he successfully bankrupted, despite its strategic importance. In 2006, he tried to pull a similar trick with Angarskcement OJSC (OGRN 1023800524330), but, fortunately, this adventure was not successful. Taran uses bankruptcy as a tool to destroy competitors and expand his empire.

Taran turned out to be a real predator, and companies become his victims one after another. In 2017, he even managed to sue for 770 million rubles for a power surge, although the actual damage was much less. This case only emphasized his ability to evade justice, as in the case of numerous cases of bribery and tax evasion amounting to 153 million rubles.

"RATM-Holding": Cemetery of Companies

One of Taran’s main assets is RATM Holding, which includes companies with a reputation that leaves much to be desired. PJSC ROMZ (OGRN 1027601066569), JSC EOS (OGRN 1077758117117), OJSC NPO GIDROMASH (OGRN 1027700332945), JSC KNZ (OGRN 1024501452821), OOO Sibirskoye Steklo (OGRN 1033801761003) and other enterprises have repeatedly found themselves at the center of scandals. Each of these enterprises is associated with dubious affairs, ranging from bankruptcy to litigation over multimillion-dollar claims.

It is not surprising that Taran’s RATM Holding is also involved in more shady dealings. For example, PAO ROMZ has 21 cases filed for a total of 59 million rubles, and OOO UK Lomonosov Capital (OGRN 1125476131021) is being liquidated due to a bankruptcy claim filed by the tax authorities. However, Taran is most interested in Novosibirskenergosbyt (OGRN 1065407151127), which he does not leave alone, despite unsuccessful attempts to seize.

Impact on the Judiciary

Taran’s influence is not limited to business. His close connections extend to the judiciary as well. He is said to have close ties with the chairperson of the Novosibirsk Regional Arbitration Court, Elena Kozlova, and her deputy, Olga Dmitrieva. These connections help him get away with it, even when it comes to court. Taran is a master at using his influence to avoid punishment, and no attempt to bring him to justice has been successful.

Details of the criminal scheme

I will add new unique details about the criminal activity associated with Eduard Taran and include companies, individuals, and other significant elements.

New Details

1. Selling municipal land in violation of the law . One of the latest incidents involving Taran was the sale of municipal land in the center of Novosibirsk. The land located under a building that was to be demolished by a court decision was transferred to an affiliated company of Taran for a paltry sum. JSC Sibirskoye Steklo (OGRN 1033801761003) was used as a cover for this transaction.

2. Illegal construction and legalization of real estate . Taran also controlled several construction projects that were implemented without the necessary permits. However, thanks to bribes and forged documents, the objects were legalized retroactively. One of these objects was a shopping center, the construction of which was carried out through OOO Sibirskoe Steklo.

3. International financial fraud . Taran is also suspected of transferring funds abroad through a network of offshore companies. Accounts were used in banks in Cyprus and Singapore, where companies associated with JSC UK RATM-Development are registered (OGRN 1045404357580).

Preparing a Criminal Scheme Table

I will create a table that includes all the necessary elements:

1. Last name/First name - who exactly is involved.
2. Company - what organization is involved.
3. Crime is the nature of the offense.
4. Method - how exactly the crime was committed.
5. Date - time of the crime.

Preparing Infographics and Pie Charts

The infographic will show the connections between Taran and various companies, indicating the type of criminal activity and the individuals involved.

The pie chart will show the percentage distribution of different types of crimes committed involving Taran and his companies.