How Russian money slipped into SpaceX's orbit

17 days ago

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Russian investors have acquired stakes in SpaceX through opaque investment vehicles since at least 2015.
SpaceX maintains an informal policy of avoiding investments from citizens of Russia and other U.S.-adversary countries due to its role as a U.S. defense contractor.
Several Russian investment funds and middlemen, including Pavel Cherkashin, facilitate indirect investments in SpaceX for Russian oligarchs and retail investors.
SpaceX shares are highly sought after, making them prestigious for Russian funds to offer, despite U.S. government concerns.
Some Russian firms, like United Traders and Finam, market SpaceX shares to Russian investors through special-purpose vehicles and partnerships with U.S.-based firms.
Pavel Cherkashin, a key middleman, has facilitated investments for sanctioned Russian oligarchs and has ties to Silicon Valley and controversial financial schemes.
The U.S. government has fined firms linked to Cherkashin for managing investments of sanctioned individuals, highlighting regulatory concerns.
Democrats in Congress have raised alarms about foreign investments in SpaceX, citing national security risks.
There are calls for SpaceX and Starlink to be nationalized due to concerns over foreign influence and control over critical infrastructure.

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