- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

'Whistleblower' Behind Russia's Doping Scandal Hit With New York Bribery Probe

© Flickr / Marc van der ChijsRussian “Whistleblower” Under Investigation for Bribery
Russian “Whistleblower” Under Investigation for Bribery - Sputnik International
Subscribe
The man lauded as a “whistleblower” for claiming that the Russian Track Federation was taking bribes from athletes is now, in a supreme twist of irony, under US federal investigation for bribery himself.

A woman walks into the head office of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in Montreal, Quebec, Canada November 9, 2015 - Sputnik International
WADA Concludes Five Countries Failing to Comply With World Anti-Doping Code
Andrey Baranov, 50, previously the agent for marathon runner Liliya Shobukhova, made global headlines when he alleged that she had paid the Russian Track Federation over $600,000 to avoid a doping suspension.

On Thursday, the New York Times reported that federal officials have been conducting a surveillance operation on Baranov for suspected bribery and corruption.

“The investigators are looking into whether Mr. Baranov conspired with American marathon organizers — including New York City Marathon officials — to allow athletes using banned substances to compete in their events,” the Times reported.

It remains unclear how far along the investigation is, but Baranov has not yet been charged.

Hajo Seppelt, freelance journalist - Sputnik International
World
Journalist Behind Film on Doping in Russian Sport Says Receives Daily Threats
Sputnik reached out to Baranov for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publishing. He told the Times, however, that he had “absolutely not” entered doped athletes into United States competitions, nor had he made inappropriate payments to race organizers.

Baranov also denied any other criminal activity, and told the paper that he had been unaware of the fact that the government is investigating him.

A spokesman from the New York City Marathon denied any knowledge of criminal activity, or bribes from Baranov.

The Department of Justice investigation is part of a larger investigation into alleged “doping schemes” by Russian athletes, now focusing on agents. Over 100 Russian athletes were barred from the Olympics over the allegations.

Despite that he was praised by the media as a whistleblower, the former head coach of Russia’s distance runners, Alexei Melnikov, told the Times that Baranov should not be overlooked, and that his “disgusting reputation in the world of athletics is well known.”

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала