MOSCOW, April 17, Alena Sulizova. Two-time Olympic champion in biathlon Dmitry Vasiliev, in a conversation with, called the accusation of former president of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) Anders Besseberg of corruption a common settling of scores.
Besseberg faces aggravated corruption charges. The alleged crimes were committed between 2009 and 2018, when Besseberg was in charge of the IBU. The Norwegian is accused of taking bribes in the form of watches, hunting trips and trophies. It is also indicated that, as bribes, Besseberg was allowed to use the services of prostitutes and a rented car.
“I have known Besseberg for many years. Thank God that he is alive and well. I believe that people like Besseberg are doing everything to ensure that the sport develops. The fact that he is accused, I don’t know anything about this but, the only thing I think is that this is the usual settling of accounts with Besseberg. As much as Besseberg did for world biathlon, none of those who have claims against him can do it in two lives. Such an army of fans in biathlon is only thanks to Besseberg — the same person who promoted biathlon to such heights. Yes, maybe he violated something, but still think about it, maybe we are not quite crystal clear either. People should be judged by their deeds, actions, general an investment for the benefit of humanity. What is happening there now, in my opinion, is the usual settling of scores — no more, no less. People like Besseberg deserve only every kind of encouragement, «said Vasiliev.
According to NRK, Besseberg denies his guilt. NRK also notes that the Norwegian could receive bribes from officials associated with Russian biathlon, and the company Infront, which had an agreement with the IBU on marketing and sponsorship rights for competitions under the auspices of the organization. Under Norwegian law, aggravated economic crimes involving corruption are punishable by up to ten years in prison.