He became an orphan aged three but went on to become one of the world's richest men. Now Roman Abramovich's links to Vladimir Putin have stripped him of his businesses and reputation.
"I'm sure people will focus on me for three or four days but it will pass," said the Russian billionaire when he bought Chelsea Football Club in 2003. "They'll forget who I am, and I like that."
There's little chance of anonymity now, given the events of the last few weeks. Following years of demands for greater scrutiny of Mr Abramovich's dealings, the UK government has frozen his UK-held assets - including his homes, artworks and Chelsea FC - and imposed a travel ban.