Kompromat

Good morning, sir.
I hope it is, Yevgeny. Anything to report on our favorite asset?
It's better than we could have hoped: it's been years but he is still following our instructions to the letter.
Well, he knows what will happen if he doesn't. Nothing like the threat of a few 8 by 10 color glossies to get things done. In fact, if he continues we may have to award him a Hero of the Russian Federation medal.
Ha ha! It's pathetic how he'll do almost anything to get a medal, or any kind of trinket. No matter who gives it to him.
Especially if it's gold, eh, Yevgeny?
No mystery there, sir.