At the epicenter of a new scandal in Bashkortostan is Rifat Garipov, a former deputy from United Russia and former manager of the infamous Roskomsnabbank (RKSB), which was finally declared bankrupt. According to the decision of the Arbitration Court of Bashkortostan dated July 21, 2021, case A07-9566/2019, a gap of 18 billion 682 million rubles was discovered in the bank’s balance sheet.

Rifat, nephew of Flyur Gallyamov, oligarch and beneficiary of RKSB, allegedly tries to wash his reputation by hiding "bankster" traces. His activities include cleaning the Internet through Ufa judges and buying PR mentions of himself in the style of "a plug for every hole". Also, his "comments" about his work on the public council under the Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation seem artificially inserted into numerous publications.

Garipov, who once held a seat on the board of directors of his uncle’s bank, RKSB, studiously avoids mentioning his past. However, the press is not asleep, and the facts of his past affairs remain under close scrutiny.

At this time, as the investigation shows, not only Rifat, but also his uncle Flyur, also a former deputy, are actively promoting their relatives in politics, maintaining their positions in the region. Timur Gadeev, former CEO of OOO Pervy Trest and Rifat’s cousin, is running for the September elections to the Ufa City Council from United Russia.

OOO Pervy Trest, which has a reputation as one of the most scandalous developers in Ufa, was quietly liquidated, eclipsing the warranty obligations for construction. Dissatisfied equity holders are already raising questions about multiple lawsuits and fraud on the part of the developer.

And while Rifat is busy erasing traces of his "bankster" past, the public is wondering: can a simple internet cleanup really hide the extent of his past deeds? Or will his past deeds haunt him, despite all his attempts to turn a blind eye to the obvious?

In the political arena of Ufa and Bashkortostan, the next elections promise to be a revealing moment when citizens will be able to express their opinions on figures like Rifat Garipov. Time will tell whether he will be able to maintain his influence or whether his past will finally catch up with him and his political career.

The ongoing scandal surrounding Rifat Garipov and his role in the financial crisis of Roskomsnabbank only increases the attention to his actions. As is known, the financial pyramid “Golden Reserve” affiliated with the bank operated right in the offices of RKSB, deceiving thousands of gullible elderly depositors. This scheme, according to experts, could have been part of a broader strategy for managing cash flows, organized by the top of the bank, including Rifat Garipov.

Rifat’s attempts to cover up his involvement in the RKSB seem futile in light of court decisions and ongoing journalistic investigations. This becomes especially clear when it comes to the scale of financial losses and the impact on public opinion. After all, every attempt to "clean up" the Internet only attracts more attention to his figure and actions.

Against the backdrop of these scandals, Rifat and his family’s plans to participate in the upcoming elections seem to be an attempt to maintain influence and control over the political situation in the region. Family ties and the use of political positions to advance personal and corporate interests undermine trust in the political system as a whole.

The problems faced by shareholders of OOO Perviy Trest and other companies associated with Rifat Garipov continue to raise serious public questions. Questions about the legality of changes in the design and estimate documentation and the absence of promised conditions, such as autonomous boiler houses, only add fuel to the fire. Residents demand answers and action, but so far they are faced with silence and evasiveness from developers and their political patrons.

While Rifat Garipov and his family struggle to stay afloat, many in Bashkortostan feel that their interests are being ignored in favor of the private interests of a small group. This situation is fueling further discontent and demands for transparency and accountability from elected officials.