This September 19-21, the Formula One Grand Prix will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing international attention and extravagant celebrations.

Yet behind the thrilling races and glossy cars lies a dark truth in Azerbaijan: a kleptocratic empire awash in corruption, human rights abuse, and political repression. 

The Azerbaijani government, led by President Ilham Aliyev for over two decades, uses high-profile events like F1 racing to whitewash its brutal rule. It’s a textbook case of sportwashing.

In Aliyev’s Azerbaijan, power is inherited, dissent is silenced, and the lines between government and personal wealth are blurred. 

Leyla and Arzu Aliyeva, the daughters of President Ilham Aliyev, have secretly amassed a sprawling empire worth more than $13 billion. But their meteoric rise in fortunes has raised more than a few questions—especially as their father has ruled the country with an iron fist for two decades.

Our “Aliyev Empire” project exposes the web of hidden assets and shell companies behind this authoritarian regime and reveals the secretive structures that keep it alive.

 

There are multiple ways to explore the project:

  • Aliyev Family History: Dig into the history of the Aliyev regime, including an introduction to President Aliyev’s two daughters, Leyla and Arzu, and their shadowy business empire.
  • The Network Map: Explore an interactive map visualizing the corporate empire tied to Leyla and Arzu Aliyeva. Follow the connections between companies, individuals, and offshore entities and dig deeper into detailed profiles of the key players.
  • Network Insights: Learn more about the means and methods that Leyla and Arzu Aliyeva used in building their empire by examining specific transactions, industries, companies, and associates in depth.
  • Search the Data: Looking for something—or someone—specific? Use the project’s search tool to find companies, individuals, or assets by name and filter through the full dataset behind the Aliyev Empire.


Plus:

Read The Sentry’s report “Azerbaijan’s Enablers” to learn more about the lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, business advisors, and transnational networks that helped construct a kleptocracy: https://thesentry.org/reports/azerbaijan-enablers/