Cancer patient, military communism advocate, physically violent boss: Proekt delves into Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's biography

Proekt also revealed an uncensored photo, previously reported in the media, depicting the severed heads of African men. The framed photo was discovered during a search at Prigozhin's residence. While media outlet Fontanka had previously reported on the photo, this is the first time it was published without being blurred out.

Prigozhin's acquaintances have confirmed that he possessed specific beliefs and advocated for military communism. For instance, former employee Vyacheslav Tarasov addressed Prigozhin during the mutiny, saying:

“Your ideal is military communism, and what excites you most of all are the executions. Of course, ‘for the good of the motherland,’ but only you personally will decide whom to shoot, there’s no law – only your opinion and your decision. The helicopter crews will attest to that.”

Tarasov referred to the helicopters downed by Wagner forces during the uprising on June 24. One plane and six helicopters were apparently downed during the mutiny.

According to information obtained by Proekt from Prigozhin's acquaintances, the PMC founder underwent extensive treatment for abdominal cancer and underwent rigorous therapy. “He had cancer. Now the process of tumor formation seems to have been stopped,” said one of the publication’s sources.

Due to the tumor, Prigozhin adheres to a strict diet and maintains a healthy lifestyle. One of his long-term employees remembers seeing him drink a glass of lemonade only once. Although law enforcement found «white powder» briquettes during searches of Prigozhin's residence, Proekt’s sources claim to have never seen him using drugs. “Since he got sick and recovered, he’s forbidden everyone from talking to drug dealers in Africa or Syria. [If you do] you’ll get put in a pit,” said one of Prigozhin’s subordinates.

Prigozhin's close circle attributes the mutiny to his impulsive nature. When asked about the reasons behind the uprising, Prigozhin himself reportedly admitted to his employees: “I went crazy.”