Forced to flee Europe, Oniani went underground, eventually returning to Moscow in 2008 under a new, assumed identity: Tariel Mulukhov. By this time, he had obtained Russian citizenship, a move that would later complicate international extradition efforts. His return, however, ignited the most brutal and violent chapter of his career: a full-blown mafia war for control of the Russian underworld.
Legendary criminal figure Vyacheslav Ivankov (known as "Yaponchik" ) stepped in to mediate but sided with Ded Khasan. In 2009, Yaponchik was targeted by a sniper in Moscow and died from his wounds, an assassination widely blamed on Oniani's faction.
In the 1990s, Oniani relocated to Paris. There, he established ties with major international figures like Alimzhan Tokhtakhunov. When French authorities began closing in, he moved his operations to Spain. tariel oniani prime crime top
: Throughout his career, Oniani has faced multiple legal challenges. He has been arrested several times and has served prison sentences in various countries for crimes including murder, attempted murder, and extortion. Despite these legal setbacks, he continues to be a figure of note within the global criminal underworld.
This European paradise collapsed in 2005. The Spanish police launched , a massive, helicopter-backed sting targeting post-Soviet syndicates. While dozens of his closest associates were captured, Oniani narrowly evaded the dragnet, fleeing back to the chaotic safety of Moscow. The Great Underworld Schism: Taro vs. Ded Khasan Forced to flee Europe, Oniani went underground, eventually
: Detailed information about specific criminal activities might be difficult to verify due to the secretive nature of organized crime and the potential for law enforcement and intelligence agencies to be involved in investigations.
The war saw many of Oniani’s allies in Europe, such as Vladimir Janashia and Malhas Kitai, killed, while Oniani was linked to the assassination of Ded Hasan's close ally, Vyacheslav Ivankov (Yaponchik) in 2009. There, he established ties with major international figures
Completed his sentence, immediately stripped of Russian citizenship.
The conflict was fueled by disputes over assets and a fundamental power struggle between the "Kutaisi clan" (led by Oniani) and the "Solntsevskaya Bratva" / Tbilisi clan allied with Ded Hasan.
Soothe