Overview

Andrei Bogatov (call sign “Brodyaga”), a former commander of the Wagner Group’s Fourth Assault Detachment, is one of the organization’s earliest and, within Russian paramilitary circles, most highly regarded field commanders. A decorated veteran, Bogatov served with the Wagner Group in several countries, including Ukraine, Syria, and Libya. He played a crucial role in the 2016 Battle of Palmyra in Syria, where he lost his arm. Bogatov was one of four Wagner Group commanders featured in a viral 2016 photograph with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, taken at a state ceremony where each commander received the Hero of Russia award. In 2021, he unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the Russian Duma as a candidate for the nationalist Rodina party.

Bogatov was born on June 14, 1964, in Yuryevka village, Issyk-Ata district, Kyrgyzstan, in what was then the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic, though some sources claim he was born in Stary Oskol, in what is now Russia, where he maintains a residential address. Before joining the army at age 18, Bogatov worked as an electrician at the Oskol Electrometallurgical Plant. He served in the Airborne Forces as a conscript soldier in Afghanistan. His military career also included deployments to what was then Yugoslavia for mine-clearing operations and to Chechnya. Later, Bogatov joined the Moran Security Group, participating in a promotional video showcasing their anti-piracy exercises on February 4, 2013. Bogatov is married, and his son Mikhail also served with Wagner under the call sign Monakh (M-0972).

Wagner internal documents indicate Bogatov joined the company on September 26, 2015. By spring 2016, he was commanding the Fourth Assault Detachment “Cypress” in the battle for Palmyra, Syria. Leading a force of about 360 men against about 2,500 opponents, Bogatov lost his left arm during the assault. For his actions, he was later awarded the Hero of the Russian Federation medal. Following his injury, Bogatov was reassigned as commander of the security company at Hayan Gas Company and served in Libya from 2020 to 2021. His decorations include the Order of Courage, Order of the Red Star, Medal of Honor, and Medal for Military Merit. In 2022, Bogatov established the New Height (Russian: Новая Высота) charitable fund to support military servicemen and their families.

Bogatov is subject to a travel ban and asset freeze imposed by the European Union, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.