In 2017, Gottlieb tells the Washington Post, "They wanted to keep communications open and form friendships."[39] November 9–11: The Trump-owned Miss Universe pageant is held in Moscow, sponsored by VTB Bank.[60] According to various reports, the event's $20 million licensing fee is paid by a Moscow real estate development firm called the Crocus Group, whose president is Aras Agalarov and vice president is his son, pop singer Emin Agalarov.[29][72] One VIP guest is Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov, an alleged Russian mobster and fugitive who was recently indicted for running a high-stakes illegal gambling ring out of a Trump Tower apartment in New York City.[73] While Putin does not attend, the event is attended by Vladimir Kozhin,[74] the head of the Kremlin's property department,[75] which is responsible for development projects.[76] After the event, Trump tells Real Estate Weekly, "the Russian market is attracted to me.