Putin-linked boxing chief Kremlev reportedly paid for Trump's son's Bahamas wedding
The Telegraph reports that Russian businessman Umar Kremlev, head of the International Boxing Association, covered a large part of Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding costs. The report has prompted debate over possible influence on the US president's family.
Russian businessman Umar Kremlev, who is closely tied to Vladimir Putin's circle and heads the International Boxing Association (IBA), paid for a significant share of the wedding of Donald Trump Jr., son of US President Donald Trump, and Bettina Anderson (now Trump). The celebrations took place in the Bahamas in May 2026, according to the British newspaper The Telegraph, which cites investigative materials. The story matters because it touches on possible foreign influence over the US president's family at a time when peace efforts concerning the war in Ukraine are under way.
What is known about the payments
Reports by ProPublica and other outlets say Kremlev covered hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs. These included the rental of a private island at roughly $100,000 a night and fireworks costing about $70,000. The money was channelled through a Dubai-registered company linked to the IBA.
The newlyweds described the contribution as an "extremely generous wedding gift from a friend". Trump Jr. met Kremlev through hunting and boxing circles. President Donald Trump later claimed his son had repaid the money.
The possible motive
The Telegraph argues that Kremlev's real aim was to win Trump Jr.'s support in restoring the IBA's right to organise Olympic boxing tournaments. The International Olympic Committee permanently stripped the association of that status in 2023, citing suspected corruption, Russian influence and a ban on the Ukrainian Boxing Federation. The IBA had earlier been suspended from organising boxing at the Tokyo Olympics.
Who is Kremlev
Until 2010 the businessman was known as Umar Lutfullojev. He also controls the legal sports betting market and the national lottery in Russia. The IBA he leads has received funding from Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom.
