Alexander Orlov, the restaurateur known for founding Tanuki and Ersh chains, has been linked to an international arrest warrant. In a conversation with Forbes.kz, he states he is currently in London and discusses recent developments surrounding his name and business activities.
Orlov described a criminal case filed against him as a surprise, asserting that the fitness center he previously owned operated legally for the past two years. He noted that no one suggested there could be criminal liability during that period and emphasized that the center’s transactions complied with the law.
According to the businessman, he was an investor in the project but lacked influence over its day-to-day operations. He argues that the allegations do not accurately reflect the situation. His legal team is actively handling the case, and he believes an amicable resolution is possible.
He remarked that, in his view, financial disputes could be settled soon, with all debts cleared. He acknowledged that such episodes can tarnish a reputation but insisted that challenges of this kind are part of business life.
Orlov attributed the misunderstanding to his absence from Russia for an extended period. He explained that he closed his home country’s operations and is pursuing new ventures abroad. He is currently in London, where a Greek restaurant named Gaia has just opened. He also announced plans to launch a new establishment in Hong Kong in short order.
In the interview, he also commented on a December fire at the Orlovskie Bani bath complex in Astana, stressing that no one was injured because all guests were evacuated promptly. He recalled being at the bathhouse with friends from London when the news arrived about the fire at one of his log houses in Astana. He described the fire as affecting roughly 100 square meters, with a rapid response that allowed visitors to relocate to other wooden huts while their bathing routines continued. He promised a facelift for the building and stronger security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Orlov case
In mid-November, Russian authorities added Alexander Orlov to the international wanted list. The Shot Telegram channel indicates a charge of harming the interests of a large group leading to significant material damage, under Part 2 of Article 165 of the Russian Criminal Code. If convicted, a sentence could reach up to five years in prison.
The precise grounds for initiating the case were not specified. Reports from Kommersant suggested the matter might involve rent arrears tied to a fitness center building once owned by Orlov.
Preliminary information indicates Mercury Fitness LLC, the entity co-founded by the restaurateur, did not pay for the premises and reportedly altered infrastructure without the landlord’s consent, including the construction of a swimming pool inside the club. The resulting damage is estimated at about 110 million rubles.
What is Alexander Orlov famous for?
Back in 2004, Orlov and Andrei Isaev co-created the Tanuki chain of Japanese restaurants. He later expanded with ventures like Ruff and the delivery brand Your Pizza, along with several other dining venues. He became the owner of the Bulldozer Group, a holding that operates dozens of restaurants across Russia, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and Ukraine.
Orlov left Russia in 2022. He sold a 33.3 percent stake in Tanuki-Krasnodar and Tanuki-Novgorod to businessman Andrey Askerko and disposed of Bulldozer Group holdings to undisclosed investors in the Middle East. He has voiced critical views on Russian politics in social media, reflecting his stance on the country’s leadership as he expanded his business footprint abroad.