Donald Trump's connection with Moscow's Crocus city hall where ISIS gunmen killed over 60

Crocus City Hall of Moscow region, has been thrust into the spotlight following a tragic shooting and fire claimed by Islamic State that left over 60 killed. Despite its opulent reputation as a plush concert venue, the venue’s history includes hosting events like the Miss Universe contest, once presided over by former US president Donald Trump.

Situated just a short stroll from a Moscow Metro station and adjacent to the Moscow city ring road, Crocus City Hall lies technically beyond the city limits. The complex encompasses not only the concert venue but also features a shopping center and conference facilities, making it a versatile destination for various events, including motor shows.

Over the years, Crocus City Hall has welcomed a diverse array of performers, both Russian and international. Notable acts include British comedian-turned-politician Eddie Izzard, who graced the stage with a solo show in English back in 2013. Piknik, a renowned rock group with roots dating back to the Soviet era, was slated to perform on the fateful Friday of the shooting.

The brainchild of property developer Aras Agalarov, Crocus City Hall stands as a testament to his influence and prominence in Russia. Although born in Azerbaijan, Agalarov holds Russian citizenship and boasts extensive connections, including ties to Trump.

Despite its glamorous past, Crocus City Hall now finds itself shrouded in tragedy, as at least 40 lives were lost in the recent shooting incident, casting a somber shadow over its once-celebrated reputation.

He was listed as worth US$1.2 billion by Forbes in 2021. His company Crocus Group specialises in luxury retail and leisure developments.

Forbes Russia reported last week that Agalarov and his business partner and son, Emin Agalarov, had taken out personal loans to save the business, however.

The father and son came to the scene of the attack and fire on Friday night, Russian news agencies reported.

Emin Agalarov is also a pop singer and has given concerts at the venue. He is the former husband of a daughter of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

The Crocus City Hall venue opened in 2009 and was dedicated to Muslim Magomayev, a pop singer famous in the Soviet era who also came from Azerbaijan.

US entrepreneur Trump held the Miss Universe beauty contest there in 2013, telling media he had invited President Vladimir Putin, who did not show up.
Trump soon afterwards appeared in one of Emin Agalarov’s pop videos and his connection to the family became a matter of public interest a few years later when he stood for president against Hillary Clinton.

Emin Agalarov in June 2016 arranged for Donald Trump Jnr, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign chairman Paul Manafort to meet a Russian lawyer, Natalia Veselnitskaya, who had offered damaging information on Clinton.

Agalarov told Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper that the meeting which he helped set up at his father’s request was “unproductive and useless”, however.

With inputs from AFP