Alexander Orlov, a prominent restaurateur and the founder behind the Tanuki and Ersh chains, has been navigating a complex web of legal and business developments that extend far beyond his home market. Reports indicate that a criminal investigation and a wanted notice emerged while Orlov was abroad, with him currently positioning himself in London and continuing to manage a portfolio that spans multiple continents. According to statements he has reportedly made in interviews, the events surrounding the investigation came as a surprise and have been met with astonishment by the executive who has built and scaled a diverse set of hospitality ventures.
From Orlov’s perspective, the case related to a fitness center project is being treated as a civil matter rather than a criminal one. He has emphasized that his prior involvement as an investor in the project did not influence its day-to-day operations. He has consistently asserted that the allegations against him are unfounded and have stressed that the civil proceedings, which he describes as ongoing for roughly two years, involve purely civil relations. In his account, there has been no assertion of criminal liability, and his legal team continues to scrutinize the situation as it unfolds.
Beyond these legal concerns, Orlov has openly communicated a strategic shift in his business activity. He has withdrawn from ventures in Russia and redirected his effort toward expanding in international markets. Presently, he is based in London, where he launched a Greek concept named Gaia. Plans for another restaurant opening are reportedly underway in Hong Kong, signaling a deliberate move to diversify the brand footprint and explore new consumer markets across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.
In a broader biographical arc, authorities in Russia announced that Orlov has entered an international wanted list in connection with a criminal inquiry. The focus of that inquiry involves alleged property damage through deception or breach of trust. The development adds a layer of complexity to a career defined by rapid geographic diversification, ambitious expansion, and a willingness to pursue opportunities across multiple regulatory environments.
As an entrepreneur, Orlov has built and overseen a portfolio of hospitality brands and hospitality-related ventures that extend into several regions. He is described as the chair of Bulldozergroup, a holding company whose holdings include a constellation of dining concepts, including Poekhali, Eshak, Kitaichi, and Benvenuto in Moscow. The group’s reach stretches to Toko in Dubai, Sass Café in Dubai, a Kazakhstani restaurant Zoloto, a Moscow karaoke club, and the Eshak restaurant family. There is also tying influence in Yellow Sea operations in Ukraine, illustrating a breadth of activity that crosses traditional market boundaries. Industry observers note that such a portfolio signals a strategic emphasis on brand diversification, cross-market resilience, and the ability to maneuver within varied hospitality ecosystems despite regulatory and reputational headwinds.
Historical headlines around Orlov also reflect the broader volatility often seen in the hospitality sector, where rapid growth can collide with regulatory scrutiny and geopolitical shifts. The narrative includes periods of intense media attention and rapid localization efforts, a combination that has shaped his public profile as a bold, opportunistic, and sometimes controversial figure. In this evolving landscape, stakeholders—from investors to partners and employees—watch closely as Orlov continues to steer his business empire through a mix of civil litigation, international expansion plans, and ongoing regulatory challenges. The outcomes of the legal matters and the company’s performance in multiple jurisdictions will likely influence the trajectory of his ventures for the foreseeable future.
Observers point out that the situation demonstrates the risks and rewards of managing a multi-country hospitality enterprise. The ability to scale operations across Europe, North America, and the Middle East requires navigating diverse legal frameworks, consumer preferences, and market conditions. For Orlov, the current moment blends opportunity with ambiguity: opportunities to broaden the brand footprint and deepen international partnerships, balanced against the need to resolve legal questions and maintain operational continuity across projects and markets.
In summary, Alexander Orlov remains a figure whose business ambitions are matched by a persistent focus on strategic diversification, even as he faces overseas regulatory scrutiny. His public narrative—one of expansion, civil litigation, and a robust portfolio of restaurants and entertainment venues—continues to unfold in real time, underscoring the intricate interplay between entrepreneurship, governance, and the shifting terrain of global hospitality markets. Market watchers and industry participants alike will be looking for signs of resolution, renewed growth, and sustained leadership as his enterprises push into new regions while navigating the complexities of international law and cross-border commerce.