15. International Expansion and London’s ‘Londongrad’
Flush with cash, Russian oligarchs rapidly expanded their empires beyond national borders, pouring billions into Western real estate and luxury assets. London, in particular, became a favorite haven—its upscale neighborhoods filled with Russian-owned mansions and penthouses. The city earned the nickname ‘Londongrad’, drawing increasing scrutiny from authorities and sparking debates about the influence of foreign wealth in British society (via BBC).
