For decades, Donald Trump’s real estate empire has been linked to Russian money laundering, organized crime, and intelligence operations. These ties trace back to the 1980s when Russian mobsters and oligarchs began using Trump’s properties to clean illicit money. Over time, what started as a financial relationship expanded into a far more complex and troubling connection—one that ultimately raised national security concerns. Donald Trump built his brand on luxury real estate, but his high-end properties have attracted an unexpected clientele—Russian mobsters looking to launder dirty money.
One of the most overlooked aspects of Trump’s Russian connections is the nature of modern Russia itself. Russia today is often described as a “mafia state,” where there is no clear line between the government, intelligence services, and organized crime. Vladimir Putin sits at the top of this structure, using oligarchs and mob bosses as tools to extend Russian influence.
The 1980s: The Genesis of Russian Ties
1984: Real Estate and Money Laundering
In 1984, David Bogatin, a Russian mobster and convicted gasoline bootlegger with ties to the notorious crime boss Semion Mogilevich, purchased five luxury condos in Trump Tower. This transaction was later identified by authorities as part of a money-laundering scheme, leading to the seizure of these properties.
1987: A Soviet Invitation
In 1987, Trump and his then-wife, Ivana, were invited to Moscow by Yuri Dubinin, the Soviet Ambassador to the United States. This trip, organized with assistance from the KGB, was part of a Soviet effort to cultivate relationships with influential Americans. Shortly after returning, Trump took out full-page ads in major U.S. newspapers advocating for a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy, aligning with Soviet interests at the time.
The 1990s: Financial Troubles and New Partnerships
Post-Bankruptcy Resurgence
After facing significant financial difficulties in the early 1990s, including massive debts from failed casino ventures, Trump sought new financing avenues. Traditional U.S. banks were hesitant to lend, leading him to engage with foreign investors. One notable partnership was with the Bayrock Group, a real estate firm with Russian backing, managed by Felix Sater, a convicted felon with ties to Russian organized crime, according to the film Active Measures.
Bayrock Group and Trump SoHo
The collaboration with Bayrock led to several projects, including the Trump SoHo development. This partnership allowed for significant Russian investment into Trump-branded properties, raising questions about the sources of the funds and potential money laundering activities.
The 2000s: Deepening Connections
Russian Investments in Trump Properties
Throughout the 2000s, Russian oligarchs and individuals with ties to organized crime invested heavily in Trump properties. These transactions often involved anonymous shell companies, making it challenging to trace the origins of the funds. This pattern raised concerns about potential money laundering and the influence of foreign capital on Trump’s business empire. Read more about it in the Financial Times.
Deutsche Bank’s Role
Despite his troubled financial history, Trump secured substantial loans from Deutsche Bank, which had been implicated in Russian money laundering schemes. Between 1998 and 2016, Deutsche Bank lent Trump approximately $2 billion, even as other financial institutions shied away. This relationship has been scrutinized for potential links to Russian money laundering activities. Since the mid-1990s Deutsche Bank commercial real estate division offered Donald Trump financial backing, even though in the early 1990s Citibank, Manufacturers Hanover, Chemical, Bankers Trust, and 68 other entities refused to financially support him.
In 2008, Trump sued Deutsche Bank for $3 billion and a few years later, he shifted his financial portfolio from the investment banking division to Deutsche Bank private wealth division with Rosemary Vrablic, formerly of Citigroup, Bank of America, and Merrill Lynch, becoming Trump’s new personal banker at Deutsche Bank.
The 2010s: Political Ascendancy Amid Scrutiny
2016 Presidential Campaign and Russian Interference
During Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, multiple investigations examined his ties to Russia. The Mueller Report detailed numerous connections between Trump associates and Russian officials, highlighting efforts by Russia to interfere in the U.S. election.
Continued Business Pursuits in Russia
Even during his presidential campaign, efforts to develop a Trump Tower in Moscow persisted, with Felix Sater playing a pivotal role in negotiations. These dealings raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the extent of Trump’s financial ties to Russia.
The 2020s: Ongoing Allegations and Investigations
Claims of Long-Term Cultivation by Russian Intelligence
Former intelligence officials have alleged that Trump was cultivated as a Russian asset since the 1980s, with his 1987 Moscow trip being a potential turning point. These claims suggest a long-term strategy by Russian intelligence to develop relationships with influential Americans.
Recent Developments
In early 2025, reports emerged of a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, involving the release of Alexander Vinnik, a Russian bitcoin fraud suspect, in exchange for Marc Fogel, an American teacher detained in Russia. This development underscores the ongoing complexities in U.S.-Russia relations during Trump’s presidency. Over the past four decades, Donald Trump’s business ventures have been intertwined with Russian money laundering operations, organized crime figures, and intelligence activities. These connections have evolved from real estate transactions to intricate relationships that have significant implications for U.S. national security and foreign policy. As new information continues to emerge, understanding this complex history remains crucial.
