The United States is in a state of shock after an October report from The Washington Post revealed that Forbes Magazine, one of the most well-established and influential publications of the country, has fallen into the hands of Russian billionaire Magomed Musaev. Musaev has a questionable reputation and direct connections to the Kremlin. Following this news, US Senator Tom Cotton and Congressmen Eric Swalwell and Michael Waltz expressed concern and called for an investigation by the Treasury Department into the circumstances surrounding the sale. Ukrainian journalists had previously shared a video report exposing details of Musaev’s acquisition of Forbes, based on leaked conversations from his records. However, with access to more materials from the “Musaev Archive,” we have uncovered additional shocking aspects of this story that have yet to be reported. Before we dive into the revelations, let’s take a closer look at Magomed Musaev himself.
Who is Magomed “CASHarik” Musaev?
“Maga” Musaev gained recognition for his fortunate marriage. His father-in-law, Ramazan Abdulatipov, held important positions in the Russian government and was also a former president of the Republic of Dagestan. Aside from his marriage, Magomed Musaev was well-known as the long-time general director of VDNH, a spacious exhibition place in Moscow. During the time of developing capitalism, VDNH was famous for its retail stores selling various household items and computers. Magomed Musaev was responsible for allocating shopping areas to sellers. However, the investigation revealed that he overcharged rent at a rate of $120 per m2, but only reported $17-20 on paper. It is estimated that he earned about a billion dollars before his scheme was uncovered. Thanks to his influential father-in-law, Magomed Musaev avoided imprisonment and earned the nickname “CASHarik” due to his love for cash.
Sunny California and Silicon Valley
After completing the “business” at VDNH, Magomed Musaev moved to Silicon Valley and transferred his funds. An O1 visa was granted to the Russian oligarch, a visa that is only available to the most talented professionals coming to America. He bought a multimillion-dollar mansion in San Francisco and proclaimed himself a venture capitalist and philanthropist.
Musaev was able to purchase his San Francisco estate from a renowned local entrepreneur Laird Cagan, who welcomed him into the inner circle of Silicon Valley “elite” and vouched for him to others as a reliable partner. Musaev regards him not only as a dear friend but also as a “brother”. He also mentioned that Mr. Cagan was granted permission to continue using the house even after it had been sold, and they often spent quality time together.
Laird Cagan
Laird Cagan is the managing director and co-founder of Cagan McAfee Capital Partners, LLC – a private equity firm he established in 1990. Mr. Cagan has been instrumental in the creation of 15 high-tech companies during the 1990s, with a total investment of over $500 million. These businesses covered a range of sectors, including energy, alternative energy, healthcare, information technology, financial payments, and “clean technologies”. He was also a co-founder of Evolution Petroleum Corporation, which employs advanced technology in developing oil and gas fields. A group of Ukrainian journalists contacted Laird Cagan to discuss his relationship with Magomed Musaev, the sale of his house, and his knowledge of Musaev’s sources of income. However, they did not receive any response from him.
John Smith
During his time in California, Musaev formed a close bond with John Smith, who had previously held a high-ranking position at the US Department of the Treasury. According to Musaev, Smith played a pivotal role in securing his O1 visa and collaborated with him to shield him from potential American and European sanctions. Smith’s official biography states that he served as Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the Treasury Department before specializing in economic sanctions, enforcement, and national security during his 11-year tenure. He has since focused on assisting clients facing civil and criminal cases from prosecutors and regulators both in the US and abroad. When questioned by Ukrainian journalists about his relationship with Magomed Musaev, including any involvement in obtaining an O1 visa or knowledge of the Russian oligarch’s financial sources, Smith refused to comment. While it is reasonable to assume that the esteemed American officials and businessmen mentioned by Musaev were deceived by him, they should have taken some precautions before becoming entangled in his web of deceit. Musaev is a skilled manipulator who knows how to win trust, influence others psychologically, persuade them to believe him, or even bribe them.
Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada’s “European Solidarity” faction Oleksiy Goncharenko raises concerns about Russia’s ongoing information war. While their recent defeat in a full-scale invasion may have dealt a blow, it is naive to assume they will not continue to seek new ways to exert influence. The recent Forbes story serves as a prime example – a supposedly respectable publication is now potentially under the control of pro-Putin oligarchs, essentially placing it in Putin’s pocket. This poses a serious threat, as it can be used to sway elections and promote Russian interests in the free world.
Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada “Servant of the People” faction Oleg Dunda also urges Western partners to recognize the ongoing battle and take action. He emphasizes the need to identify and apprehend agents of influence while safeguarding their information space from criminal interference from Moscow.
It is worth noting that Forbes potential sale to Magomed Musaev has faced delays due to media attention, but our sources suggest it will likely go through in November. Musaev appears confident that this deal will proceed as planned and has already begun planning for his relocation to Manhattan.
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