(SoapOperaNetwork.com) -- ABC's "General Hospital" is bringing in a new mafia lord to Port Charles in an effort to up the ante in the drama surrounding the Corinthos and Zacchara family organizations.

Ilia Volok, 42, is joining the cast of "GH" in the recurring role of Karpov beginning with the Friday, July 18 episode of the soap, confirms a show spokesperson.

Karpov is a Russian mob kingpin who tries to tempt Sonny into conducting business with him, essentially bringing Sonny Corinthos back into play within organized crime once more - Sonny gave up his half of the Corinthos organization after his son, Michael Corinthos, was shot in the head earlier this year and sent into a coma. Michael is currently being cared for in an around-the-clock state medical facility.

Volak, born in the USSR, is best known for roles in such shows as CBS' "The Young and the Restless," "ER," and "Power Rangers: Wildforce."

The actors film credits include "Air Force One" and summer blockbuster "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" starring Harrison Ford and 2007's "Charlie Wilson's War" with Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Tom Hanks. He can next be seen in the Robert Downey Jr. film "The Soloist," which is set for release on November 21 of this year.

He is repped by Gold Talent Group.