[6][7] According to other sources, he was a combatant in the Transnistria war, fighting on the side of the separatists and contributing to the arrest of members of the Ilașcu group.
In 1993, together with Ilya Kazmaly, he founded the Sheriff holding company, inspired either from his nickname or from his interests in the Wild West police force of the United States during the 19th century.
[12][13] Besides Russia and Moldova (especially Transnistria), Gushan also has business in Ukraine, Cyprus and Germany (according to some sources he is also a German citizen[14]).
[16][17] The success of Sheriff was facilitated by former Transnistrian president Igor Smirnov, who exempted the company from paying customs duties.
[18][19] During his tenure as President of Transnistria, Yevgeny Shevchuk criticized the Sheriff monopoly and accused Gushan of being involved in various criminal activities.