One of the most prevalent questions I’ve received from readers of the DEVIN GRAY series is—who is Yuri Pichugin? Is he real? Did you base his character on a real Russian oligarch?
The answer is: YES. Yuri Pichugin is based on the real Russian oligarch, Yevgeny Prigozhin who captured the attention of Vladimir Putin in the late 90’s, as a restauranteur and caterer in Saint Petersburg, Russia—Putin’s hometown. Somehow, between 1997 and 2003, Prigozhin (aka Pichugin in my series) became one of Putin’s closest confidantes, and one of the wealthiest oligarch’s in Russia.
He founded The Wagner Group (Wegner Group in my books), Russia’s premier mercenary/military contractor group…similar in many ways with Erik Prince’s U.S. based Black Water mercenary group, now called “Academi.” And there’s nothing “academic” about Prince’s mercenary-murderer company, by the way, but I digress.
Prigozhin also funded and operated the Internet Research Agency, which Western intelligence agencies have long blamed for election interference throughout Europe and in the U.S.
The subject of election interference in the 2016 elections and beyond have been a subject of debate for years, UNTIL YESTERDAY! When Yevgeny Prigozhin publicly stated:
“Gentlemen, we interfered, we are interfering and we will interfere,” said Prigozhin. “Carefully, precisely, surgically and the way we do it, the way we can.”
LINK TO PRIGOZHIN ARTICLE!
The DEVIN GRAY series is not about politics or election interference, but my extensive research into Prigozhin formed the basis for YURI PICHUGIN, the architect of the sleeper conspiracy at the heart of the series. Never in a million years did I expect the Russian oligarch to admit that his Russian trolling operations had interfered in our elections, and would continue to do so in the future. I figured he’d keep it quiet, given the risks.
Russian disinformation and domestic chaos (launched at us by Prigozhin—via Putin…nothing happens without Putin’s approval) plays a primary role in THE DEVIN GRAY SERIES.
I hope you’ve enjoyed books 1 and 2 in the series. Book 3 (WIDE AWAKE), to be released in August of 2023, completes the cycle of deception and chaos intended for the United States and the West. Of course, Devin Gray and his associates are well-equipped and motivated to meet their challenge. No spoiler’s intended, but Book 3 will be a non-stop slog between the two groups, fighting for dominance over the U.S. political landscape. Not to be missed.
Happy Reading!
Steve
Man, book 2 read even faster than book 1! Totally enjoyed it, and had to set time aside to read because I knew once I started I wouldn’t be able to stop!
Bound to happen.... Lol