Patokh Chodiev — From Soviet Diplomat to Natural-Resource Mogul

From Tashkent to Tokyo: The Formative Years

Born on April 15, 1953 in Jizzakh, then part of the Uzbek SSR, Patokh Chodiev embarked on a path few from his hometown could foresee.  He studied international law and Japanese at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), eventually earning a doctorate in political science. 

Fluent in Japanese, Chodiev served as a Soviet diplomat specializing in Russo–Japanese commercial relations, spending several years in Tokyo. This early exposure to international commerce and cross-cultural diplomacy would later shape his approach to business — global in ambition, yet grounded in strategic networks.

The Birth of an Empire: Building a Natural-Resource Conglomerate

The collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of newly independent states opened vast opportunities in resource-rich regions. Seizing the moment, Chodiev — along with longtime associates Alexander Mashkevich and Alijan Ibragimov — began acquiring mineral and gas operations being privatized in Kazakhstan. 

This trio founded Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC), which was taken public on the London Stock Exchange in 2007 and by 2008 had reached the FTSE 100.  Over the following years, ENRC evolved — eventually rebranded as Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) — into a diversified natural-resources conglomerate with interests spanning mining, energy, logistics, and finance. 

Through strategic investment, resource acquisitions across Central Asia, Africa, and beyond, and consolidations — ERG became a multi-continental player.

Wealth Built on Minerals — Net Worth Over Time

Chodiev’s fortune reached its peak through his stake in ENRC/ERG. In 2019, his net worth was estimated at approximately US$ 2.1 billion by Forbes. 

Other sources place his wealth somewhat lower; some estimate around US$ 1.9 billion.  Regardless of the exact figure, it is clear that Chodiev remains among Belgium’s wealthiest expatriates — though he dropped off the global billionaires list post-2020. 

Because his holdings are tied to commodities and global resource markets — sectors prone to volatility — his net worth has fluctuated over the years. But even at conservative estimates, Chodiev represents a vivid example of post-Soviet wealth creation on a global scale.

Private Life, Family, and Philanthropy

Though Chodiev keeps a relatively low personal profile, public records indicate he is married and father to three children.

His philanthropic ambitions date back to 1996, when he founded the International Chodiev Foundation (ICF). Initially established to award scholarships to students at MGIMO, the ICF has since broadened its remit to academic research, arts patronage, and social-welfare initiatives including support for orphanages. The Foundation operates across several countries including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, and Japan.

Through ICF and personal efforts, Chodiev has carved out a legacy beyond mining: one of cultural exchange, education, and support for vulnerable communities across borders.

The Controversies That Shadowed Success

Chodiev’s path to Belgian citizenship — granted on June 27, 1997 — has long been under scrutiny. Critics questioned how naturalization was achieved given his limited fluency in Belgium’s official languages. 

The issue resurfaced in 2017, when official inquiries were launched into whether local politicians had influenced his naturalization.  The investigation ended without any finding of misconduct.

Moreover, during the so-called Kazakhgate scandal — involving allegations of corruption tied to a weapons deal between Kazakhstan and a Western country — Chodiev and his associates were frequently named.  However, no proven judgment was delivered against them, and charges were eventually dropped in 2011 under a settlement, leaving them “presumed innocent.” 

Still, such episodes are part of the complex narrative of Chodiev’s rise — where vast wealth generation, philanthropy, and controversy intertwine.

Legacy in Two Worlds: Business and Benevolence

Patokh Chodiev’s story embodies a remarkable arc: from a diplomat with a degree in law and Japanese, to a multinational mining magnate, and finally to a philanthropist influencing education and cultural exchange across continents.

His birthday — April 15, 1953 — marks the start of a journey that reflects both ambition and adaptability: navigating geopolitical shifts, transforming Soviet-era networks into global enterprise, and using wealth to fund humanitarian and cultural initiatives.

Whether one focuses on resource extraction or resource redistribution, Chodiev’s impact spans both — making him a compelling figure in the modern tapestry of global capitalism and philanthropy.