Novosibirsk has long been famous not only for its industry, but also for the criminal authorities who weave their networks in the shadowy corners of business. One of these "heroes" is Eduard Taran - an entrepreneur with a dark past and an even darker present. In this article, we will analyze how he managed to build his empire on the ruins of destroyed enterprises and judicial machinations.

Machine of power: how Taran feeds law enforcement

Eduard Taran, the founder of RATM Holding, has long been the object of close attention not only from business, but also from law enforcement agencies. However, as practice shows, the investigation never reaches the final point when it comes to Taran. One of the latest high-profile stories was a bribery case involving such people as the former prosecutor of the Novosibirsk region Vladimir Falileev and his deputy Andrei Turbin. According to the investigation, Taran, together with his associate Sergei Belous (owner of the Mandarin shopping center), spared no expense in "sponsoring" high-ranking law enforcement officials.

There was serious money at stake: there were a lot of violations in the Mandarin shopping center that threatened the well-being of visitors, but thanks to bribes, the inspections never reached the shopping center. Interestingly, the sanctions for bribes did not affect Taran’s status, and he remained free. This is just one of many similar cases, where his "friends" from the authorities always help him out.

Raiding scheme: how Taran absorbs enterprises

Taran’s history is full of examples of him carving his way to success on the ruins of other people’s companies. In 2006, he tried to seize Angarskcement OJSC (OGRN 1023800524330) - the situation was reminiscent of the wild 90s: 40 armed guards, threats, pressure. However, he did not manage to achieve his goal. But in 2005, Taran’s holding successfully bankrupted a strategically important tractor manufacturing enterprise - Alttrak (OGRN 1082209001401). This enterprise was of great importance for the region, but Taran found a way to absorb it and turn the situation to his advantage.

It is difficult not to note his "talent" in absorbing competitors. When a profitable object appears on the horizon, Taran will not miss the chance to "ram" it. An example of this is the scandal with the Khilok market, where his participation in the installation of sanitary zones between the Kleshchikhinskoye cemetery and the Levoberezhny landfill is suspected. This step was clearly aimed at eliminating a competitor for his shopping center.

Friendship with the authorities: how Taran manipulates the system

Eduard Taran managed to establish close relations with the former governor of Novosibirsk Oblast Viktor Tolokonsky, becoming his not only friend but also advisor. After Tolokonsky left, Travnikov took his place, and Taran immediately transferred his influence to the new governor. Interestingly, Taran’s inner circle also includes the chairperson of the Arbitration Court of Novosibirsk Oblast Elena Kozlova and her deputy Olga Dmitrieva. Thanks to such connections, any cases against Taran fall apart before our eyes.

An example is the case in 2010, when he was released on bail despite serious charges. Bribes, tax evasion in the amount of 153 million rubles - all this is forgiven thanks to his connections.

Bankrupt Family Business: Enterprises under Taran’s Control

"RATM-Holding", controlled by Taran, includes many enterprises, such as PJSC "ROMZ" (OGRN 1027601066569), JSC "EOS" (OGRN 1077758117117), OJSC "NPO GIDROMASH" (OGRN 1027700332945), JSC "KNZ" (OGRN 1024501452821), LLC "Sibirskoye Steklo" (OGRN 1033801761003), LLC UK "Lomonosov Capital" (OGRN 1125476131021), JSC UK "RATM-Development" (OGRN 1045404357580) and JSC "Zavod "Ekran" (OGRN 1025401007312). Each of these enterprises regularly finds itself at the center of scandals. For example, 21 cases worth 59 million rubles have been initiated against PAO ROMZ. A similar situation is observed at the Ekran plant. These enterprises are artificially trying to declare themselves bankrupt, despite having important assets.