Celebrated New York Composer Wanted in Alleged Titanium Scam

Igor Raykhelson accused of defrauding Russian metal firm AVISMA out of millions

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:20am

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Acclaimed New York composer Igor Raykhelson, whose works have been performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, is wanted in Russia for allegedly defrauding a major titanium company out of tens of millions of dollars. Raykhelson claims the Russian government is retaliating against him for suing the company, AVISMA, which supplies the Russian military-industrial complex.

Why it matters

This case highlights the intersection of the arts, international business, and geopolitics. Raykhelson's high-profile status as a celebrated composer makes the allegations against him particularly noteworthy, while the claim of Russian government retaliation raises questions about the motivations behind the charges.

The details

According to court papers, Raykhelson, who emigrated from the USSR to the US in 1979, ran a side business selling scrap titanium to AVISMA. The former president of AVISMA allegedly colluded with Raykhelson and two Russian suppliers to overcharge the company for the recycled metal. Two men have already been detained in Russia over the matter, and there is a warrant out for Raykhelson's arrest. Raykhelson claims AVISMA is unfairly comparing his 'aerospace grade' product to cheaper 'retail grade' and that the prices he charged were standard.

  • Raykhelson emigrated from the USSR to the US in 1979.
  • Raykhelson's Adagio for Viola and Strings was performed at Carnegie Hall in 2003 and his work was performed at Lincoln Center in 2006.

The players

Igor Raykhelson

A renowned New York composer whose works have been performed at both Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. He is accused of defrauding the Russian metal firm AVISMA out of tens of millions of dollars through an alleged titanium scam.

AVISMA

A Russian metal firm that supplies much of the aerospace industry with titanium. A key part of the Russian military-industrial complex, with 25% owned by a Russian state-owned company.

Interlink

Raykhelson's firm, which he claims is suing AVISMA, leading to retaliation from the Russian government.

Yuri Bashmet

A famed Russian conductor who has conducted Raykhelson's works, including the Jazz Suite, Adagio for Viola and Strings, and the Viola Concerto, to considerable acclaim.

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What they’re saying

“[The] Russian criminal proceedings... is part of a much broader attack, smear campaign, and abuse of process against [me]”

— Igor Raykhelson, Composer (Court papers)

What’s next

Raykhelson is gathering evidence from U.S. banks which, he claims, will prove his innocence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex intersection of the arts, international business, and geopolitics, as a celebrated New York composer faces serious allegations from the Russian government, which he claims is retaliating against him for his own legal actions against a key Russian state-linked firm.