A video containing controversial remarks made by a BlackRock recruiter has been gaining significant attention lately. Independent journalist James O’Keefe shared the video on Twitter, sparking additional debates and raising questions about BlackRock.
The recently circulated video captures a conversation between Serge Varlay, a recruiter at BlackRock, and an undercover journalist from OMG. Varlay’s remarks in the video indicate that he believes BlackRock wielded substantial power and influence in global matters due to its significant financial resources. He also discusses his views on the potential ease of influencing or manipulating politicians for personal benefit. He said,
“You can take this big f*** ton of money and buy people, I work for a company called BlackRock…It’s not who is the president it’s who is controlling the wallet of the president. You could buy your candidates. First, there is the senators these guys are cheap. Got 10 grand you can buy a senator I’ll give you 500k right now It doesn’t matter who wins they’re in my pocket.“
Russia-Ukraine war a boon for BlackRock?
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had devastating consequences for both nations, resulting in the loss of lives and widespread fear among their citizens. The entire globe has been hoping for a resolution to the war. However, in a surprising statement, the BlackRock recruiter said, “Ukraine is good for business.”
Varlay goes on to elaborate on why war is good for business. He added,
“Russia blows up Ukraine’s grain silos and the price of wheat is going to go mad up. The Ukrainian economy is the wheat market. The price of bread goes up, this is fantastic if you’re trading. Volatility creates an opportunity to make a profit. War is real good for business.”
However, the question arises as to how trading firms can take advantage of the war. The BlackRock recruiter clarifies that as trading firms, they can swiftly execute trades based on the news of the conflict, particularly in the wheat market. By strategically investing in the stocks of wheat suppliers and monitoring price fluctuations, these firms can capitalize on the price increase that occurs shortly after the news breaks. This allows them to sell their holdings at a profit, potentially generating substantial financial gains.
He further said,
“…you just make, I don’t know, however many mil. The Ukrainian economy is tied very largely to the wheat market, the global wheat market, prices of bread, you know, literally, everything goes up and down. This is fantastic if you’re trading.”
Serge Varlay – ‘Decider of people’s fate’
Varlay continues to make questionable statements. The BlackRock recruiter went on to call himself a person who “decides people’s fates.” He says,
“Every f*cking day, I literally decide how somebody’s life is going to be shaped. I’m not actually a finance guy, I just know what happens because I’m recruiting people who do these things.”