Feb 15 (Reuters) - The Kremlin on Thursday named Ramzan Kadyrov as acting president of Russia's volatile Chechnya region, scene of a long fight with anti-Moscow insurgents. Here are some key facts about him: * Kadyrov, 30, had until now been prime minister of Chechnya but most observers said he was the region's de facto leader. Alu Alkhanov, the former president who was moved to a new post on Thursday, was always in Kadyrov's shadow. * Much of Kadyrov's power derives from the armed militia -- known as "Kadyrovtsy" -- which he controls. Human rights groups say the militia abducts and tortures innocent people. Kadyrov says his forces have brought security to a region wrecked by years of war and violence. * Kadyrov's father, Akhmad, was a pro-Moscow president of Chechnya. He was killed in 2004 by a bomb which exploded as he attended a Second World War victory parade in a sport stadium in Chechnya's capital, Grozny. * Kadyrov's forces have played a major role in helping Moscow subdue the insurgency in Chechnya. Kadyrov professes loyalty to the Kremlin. But critics say he pays only lip service to Moscow's rule and could ultimately mount his own separatist rebellion. * Kadyrov has an exotic and lavish lifestyle. He keeps tiger cubs as pets, and at public celebrations he enjoys throwing dollar bills into the air. * Kadyrov, often seen in a Muslim skullcap, makes a show of his faith. He has said he favours polygamy, women are encouraged to wear headscarves and alcohol is frowned upon.
