Trump Jr. and Russian Boxing Chief Hunted in Mongolia

Donald Trump Jr. spent two days in a hunting camp in western Mongolia with Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch and president of the International Boxing Association. The meeting occurred at the end of August. Flight records show Kremlev chartered a plane from Kazakhstan to Ulaanbaatar before traveling to the camp. He was accompanied by Arthur Martirosov, a partner in the US-sanctioned venture fund Voskhod.

Local guides and officials told the Financial Times that the two men stayed together for a short period before Kremlev returned to the capital. One local participant said the pair was careful to avoid being photographed together during their time at the camp. Trump Jr. also hunted a rare Altai argali, an endangered wild sheep, and met with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh during the trip.

A spokesperson for Trump Jr. said the men developed a personal friendship through a shared passion for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The spokesperson stated that a mutual acquaintance from the hunting community introduced them and that no business relations exist between the two. “Don has made clear that he has a personal friendship, not a business relationship, with Umar,” the spokesperson said. “Their friendship is largely based on their shared love for hunting, fishing and the outdoors. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that they went hunting together earlier this year.”

Kremlev, 43, has headed the Russian Boxing Federation since 2017 and now leads the International Boxing Association based in Lausanne. In early October, he claimed that Trump Jr. returned money Kremlev spent on post-wedding celebrations he organized as a gift. US Attorney General Todd Blanche said he would not investigate the wedding, which was partially funded by Kremlev. Members of President Trump’s family have denied knowing Kremlev, while Democrats on Capitol Hill promised to launch an investigation.

Counterintelligence experts warn that contacts between the US president’s family and individuals tied to Russian authorities can pose national security risks. Holden Triplette, who served as director of counterintelligence on the US National Security Council during Trump’s first term, said the moment Russian security services identify a relationship with someone of high value, they will try to weaponize it. “It really doesn’t matter if people have the most above board intentions,” Triplette said.