Nothing Will Stop Me from Implementing My Projects: Ruben Vardanyan

Amidst a corruption scandal, Russian-Armenian businessman Ruben Vardanyan has issued a statement thanking all those who believe in him.

Following a series of publications in the media regarding the operations of the "Troika Dialog" company from 2006 to 2012, many partners, friends, allies, and even strangers from around the world have reached out to me with sincere words of support, as well as gratitude for all the projects and initiatives that our family, our allies, and our team are implementing.

Unfortunately, I cannot respond to everyone personally, and that is why I decided to write an open letter. I am deeply grateful to all who believe in me, our team, and everything we do. Trust is the greatest value, and your unconditional support is the best proof of that in the current situation.

Everything in the published materials is mixed up—contextually disconnected information, comments, and fabrications. Although most of the materials mention the absence of accusations against me, as a senior partner of "Troika Dialog," I feel responsible for everything that is happening. Our lawyers are currently examining all possible legal actions to protect our reputation. At the same time, it is forgotten what times we lived through: “Troika” was created in the early 1990s when the investment-banking industry did not exist, and the entire country was in a startup phase.

At that time, we refused to live by "the laws of the jungle" and did everything possible to create a civilized environment in Russia with clear rules of the game. It is incorrect to evaluate the activities of "Troika" outside of its historical, economic, and business context, assessing it by today’s standards. Once again, I emphasize that throughout its history, "Troika" did everything to operate according to the principles of legality and transparency, in line with international standards, and sometimes set a bar that exceeded accepted standards.

It is significant that many publications often mention my Armenian descent. I am Russian with Armenian roots, of which I am very proud. As a representative of a people that has played a bridging role between civilizations for many centuries, I've always sought dialogue in all my projects. "Troika" served as a bridge between Russia and the world with its multinational and multicultural environment, bringing foreign investors into the country and providing Russian companies the opportunity to enter global financial markets.

Today, we continue to implement commercial, social entrepreneurial, and charitable projects with the same purpose and belief. The Skolkovo Business School in Russia, the UWC Dilijan School in Armenia, and especially the "Aurora" international humanitarian initiative—all these serve to unite people in the world, in a world where the confrontation of "us vs. them" still stands firm.

Dear friends, once again, thank you for your support and for believing in me. I want to tell everyone: nothing will stop me from implementing our projects. I know we will face many challenges and difficulties ahead. I am confident that we will overcome everything together. What will remain after us are only our children and the memory of our real deeds. I believe that we can make the world around us a better place; otherwise, we all have no future. Join us and let’s move forward together.

The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has published another revelation, stating that Ruben Vardanyan’s "Troika Dialog" company, based in Russia, participated in corrupt schemes through which approximately $9 billion was laundered.