1. Role in fossil fuel exports and Russian budget:

Igor Sechin is the CEO of Rosneft, Russia’s largest state-owned oil company and a key energy supplier to the Russian army. Its net profit jumped almost 50% in 2023 to over $14 bn (of which at least half was from hydrocarbon exports outside of Russia) and taxes of $45 bn were paid into the Russian budget despite Western sanctions (since February 2022 we estimate this figure to be at least $100 bn).

Sechin is a prominent figure in the Kremlin’s inner circle. His influence extends beyond the energy sector into politics and military affairs, reflecting his deep connections with Putin. He is a source of serious damage to Ukraine’s security, Western democracy and global climate.

2. Sanctions and international reactions:

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sechin and Rosneft have faced sanctions from Western countries. These sanctions target the company’s role in supporting the Russian government’s actions. Sechin’s position as a close ally of Putin has made him a significant figure in the international sanctions regime.

Sanctioned by: USA, EU, UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Ukraine 

3. Ties to Kremlin’s aggression against Ukraine

1. Support for the Kremlin’s Aggressive Policies: Igor Sechin has been a staunch supporter of Vladimir Putin’s administration, aligning closely with its policies, including the invasion of Ukraine and subjugation of occupied territories. Sechin’s role in the Russian energy sector has bolstered the Kremlin’s aggressive ambitions. His firm support for Putin’s actions has been widely documented.
2. Facilitating Military Operations: Under Sechin’s leadership, Rosneft has been accused of supporting Russian military operations in Ukraine. Reports indicate that Rosneft’s corporate resources have been utilized to aid the Russian army and security services. This support includes logistical and financial assistance to military operations.
3. Global Influence and Security Services: Beyond Ukraine, Rosneft, under Sechin, has facilitated Russian security services’ activities globally. This includes supporting intelligence operations and other security measures that align with Russia’s strategic interests.
4. Supporting Russia’s War Chest: Rosneft deliberately hid data on its export profits and full contributions to the state budget since February 2022. However, from  available sparse data we estimate Rosneft paid at least $100 bn to the Russian budget since the start of full-scale invasion because we know it paid $43 bn in 2023 and around half of that amount for 1H 2022. Thus, at minimum it contributes at least $20bn in taxes every six months since February 2022. By its own account from 2024 it pays every sixth rouble into the Russian budget.

4. Carbon footprint and environmental damage

1. Environmental Impact of Oil Extraction: Under Sechin’s leadership, Rosneft has been involved in extensive oil extraction activities resulting in significant environmental damage. The company’s operations in multiple regions have been criticized for their adverse environmental effects, including oil spills, toxic waste dumping and habitat destruction.
2. Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Rosneft’s activities have significantly contributed to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Reports indicate that the company is one of the largest polluters in Russia, with substantial emissions from its oil production and refining processes. This impact is a major concern for environmental organizations and global climate initiatives. Recently, Sechin compared the promotion of the “green agenda” with declaring an energy war on the world’s population.

5. Select crimes and abuses attributed to Sechin

1. Seizing Yukos Assets and Prosecuting Shareholders

Sechin is suspected of orchestrating the takeover of Yukos assets by Rosneft and initiating criminal proceedings against its shareholders, including the high-profile case against Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

2. Raiding AFK Sistema and Seizing Bashneft

Sechin allegedly used administrative machinations to raid AFK Sistema and instigated trumped up criminal and financial charges against its leadership in 2014-17. This led to Rosneft acquiring Bashneft’s assets in 2016 through a highly murky process supported by the Kremlin.

3. Dubious Sale of Rosneft Shares

Sechin participated in the controversial sale of 19.5% of Rosneft to Glencore and Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund in 2016, resulting in a substantial financial loss to the Russian state. 

4. Initiating Ulyukaev’s Criminal Case

Sechin is believed to have initiated the criminal case against former Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukaev, with investigations conducted by an FSB general who worked with Sechin.

5. Harassment During TNK-BP Negotiations

According to WikiLeaks, Sechin used administrative pressure during Rosneft’s acquisition of TNK-BP, leading to the forced departure of CEO Robert Dudley from Russia.

6. Market Manipulation and National Economic Harm

Sechin’s 2014 financial manoeuvres led to a collapse of the ruble, benefiting certain banks but harming the national economy.

7. Nepotism and Preferential Contracts

Sechin reportedly used his position to benefit businesses linked to his relatives, including contracts awarded to his ex-wife’s company. 

8. 8. Construction of Presidential Ski Resort

Rosneft allegedly funded a secret presidential ski resort under the guise of a scientific center in the Caucasus nature reserve, spending $385 million. 

9. Links to Criminal Figures

Sechin is suspected of affiliations with criminal bosses of the Tambovskaya organized criminal group who provided mutual favors and support. 

10. Obstructing Media Work

Sechin won several lawsuits to suppress media coverage of his activities and wealth, and journalists investigating his hunting estate were allegedly threatened. 

More crimes attributed to Sechin are covered by the Dossier Center.