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.God Nisanov is a prominent Russian-Azerbaijani businessman with strong ties to Russian officials and a history of philanthropy within the Jewish communityConnectionsRussia: Nisanov is known for his close relationship with high-ranking Russian officials, including Sergey Naryshkin, the Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), according to Wikipedia. An investigation by the media outlet Proekt revealed that Naryshkin regularly used Nisanov’s private swimming pool and that their connection was implicated in controversial real estate transactions. Nisanov was awarded the Order of Friendship by President Putin in 2014 for his work on economic development projects. In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, Nisanov has faced sanctions from the US, UK, EU, Canada, and other countries due to his close ties to the Russian government.
Azerbaijan: Nisanov, who was born in Azerbaijan, maintains strong ties to his homeland and has played a role in fostering positive relations between Azerbaijan and the Jewish community. He was awarded Azerbaijan’s “Dostlug” (Friendship) Order in Moscow. He has spoken about the importance of the relationship between Azerbaijan and Israel.
Israel: Nisanov has been involved in Jewish philanthropic activities and was affiliated with Russian Jewish organizations before being sanctioned. While his connections are primarily with the Russian and Azerbaijani governments, the strategic relationship between Azerbaijan and Israel is noteworthy, especially concerning energy and security cooperation. However, there is no publicly available information suggesting direct connections between God Nisanov and Israeli intelligence services. It is worth noting that there was a separate arrest of seven Jewish Israelis in 2024 for spying for Iran, with some of the suspects having familial ties and receiving assignments through a mediator who allegedly had connections in Azerbaijan. This information is not directly linked to Nisanov.
Intelligence and security servicesRussia: Nisanov’s close association with Sergey Naryshkin, the Director of the SVR, suggests connections at the highest levels of Russia’s foreign intelligence apparatus. These ties have also been linked to controversial business dealings.
Azerbaijan: While Nisanov has strong connections to Azerbaijan, there is no public information linking him to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Azerbaijan, according to Wikipedia.
Israel: There is no evidence suggesting any direct connection between Nisanov and Israeli intelligence services.
It is important to note that the information surrounding Nisanov’s connections, particularly regarding intelligence and security services, often relies on media reports and investigations. Some sources highlight the close ties and potential influence Nisanov wields, while official statements may focus on economic and diplomatic relationships. The sanctions imposed on Nisanov by numerous countries underscore the perception of his close ties to the Russian government and, indirectly, the security implications of these connections.
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god nisanov, his connections with Russia, Azerbaijan, Israel, and their Intelligence and Security Services
. He has also been involved in various Jewish organizations and has connections to the leadership of Azerbaijan.God Nisanov is a prominent Russian-Azerbaijani businessman with strong ties to Russian officials and a history of involvement in real estate development
Here’s a breakdown of his connections:
Russia
Nisanov has close ties with high-ranking Russian officials, including Sergey Naryshkin, the Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).
An investigation by the Russian independent media outlet Proekt reported that Naryshkin regularly used Nisanov’s private pool and was involved in controversial real estate transactions with Nisanov’s daughter.
Nisanov’s company, Kievskaya Ploshchad, is a major real estate holding in Russia and is co-owned by Zarakh Iliev.
Azerbaijan
Nisanov is of Azerbaijani-Jewish descent.
He maintains a connection to Azerbaijan, as evidenced by his participation in a World Jewish Congress delegation meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.
Israel
Nisanov is actively involved in Jewish community organizations, including the Russian Jewish Congress and the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia.
He previously held the position of Vice-President in the World Jewish Congress.
Intelligence and security services
Nisanov’s connection to Sergey Naryshkin, the head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, has been highlighted in media reports.
In 2022, Nisanov was sanctioned by the US, UK, and other countries following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions were imposed due to his association with high-ranking Russian officials.
It’s important to note that while Nisanov has connections to high-ranking officials and has faced scrutiny and sanctions due to these relationships, these links do not automatically signify direct involvement in or control of intelligence or security operations. The nature of his connections is more closely tied to business and influence within the Russian political landscape.
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God Nisanov: A Web of Influence Spanning Russia, Azerbaijan, and Israel
God Nisanov, a Russian-Azerbaijani billionaire real estate magnate, has cultivated a significant network of connections that extend to the highest levels of government and business in Russia, Azerbaijan, and within the international Jewish community, including ties to Israel. His influence is underscored by his vast business empire, his role in diaspora organizations, and his relationships with key political figures, including those within Russia’s intelligence apparatus.
Connections with Russia and its Intelligence Services:
Nisanov’s primary base of operations and the source of his immense wealth is Russia.1 As the co-founder of the Kievskaya Ploshchad Group, he is one of the largest commercial real estate owners in the country, with prominent assets in Moscow.2 This position has naturally led to close ties with the Russian government.
He has been recognized with state honors, including the Order of Friendship, for his contributions to the Russian economy.3 However, it is his relationships with high-ranking officials that have drawn significant attention. Media reports and international sanctions have highlighted his close association with Sergey Naryshkin, the Director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).4 This connection was cited as a key reason for the United States and the United Kingdom imposing sanctions on Nisanov. Their relationship is reportedly personal, with Naryshkin having been seen at properties owned by Nisanov.5 This proximity to the head of a major intelligence agency suggests a deep level of trust and influence within Russian power circles.
Ties to Azerbaijan:
Born in Qırmızı Qəsəbə, Azerbaijan, a settlement of Mountain Jews, Nisanov maintains strong ties to his country of origin.6 He is considered a key lobbyist for Azerbaijani interests within Russia and is reported to have close connections with the Azerbaijani political elite.7 In recognition of his efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations, he has been awarded the “Dostlug” (Friendship) Order by the President of Azerbaijan.8 His role as a prominent and wealthy expatriate gives him a significant platform to advocate for Azerbaijani interests in Moscow.
Engagement with Israel and the Jewish Community:
Nisanov has been a significant figure in the international Jewish community, a role that has connected him with Israel.9 He formerly served as a Vice President of the World Jewish Congress, a major international organization that represents Jewish communities and organizations in over 100 countries and advocates on their behalf towards governments and international bodies.10 This position inherently involves engagement with Israeli officials and aligns with the organization’s work to support the state of Israel.
He has also been a major supporter of the Mountain Jews community, both in Russia and his native Azerbaijan, funding cultural and religious projects.11 While direct connections to Israeli intelligence services have not been publicly documented, his high-profile role in the World Jewish Congress and his philanthropic activities within the global Jewish community place him in circles of influence that naturally intersect with Israeli political and diplomatic interests. However, following the imposition of international sanctions, Nisanov was removed from his leadership position at the World Jewish Congress.1
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