Anders Besseberg (R), then-president of Worldwide Biathlon Union, or IBU, listens to then-IBU Secretary Basic Nicole Resch earlier than a press convention of the IBU Biathlon World Championships in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on Feb. 13, 2009. (Lee Jin-man/AP Picture)
OSLO, Norway—The previous president of the Worldwide Biathlon Union has been indicated in his dwelling nation of Norway after accusations he took bribes, authorities mentioned Monday.
Anders Besseberg was president of the game’s governing physique for greater than 20 years earlier than stepping down in 2018, shortly after Austrian police raided the IBU headquarters. He denies wrongdoing.
Besseberg has been indicted on fees of aggravated corruption regarding alleged acts relationship from 2009–2018, the Norwegian Nationwide Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Financial and Environmental Crime mentioned in an announcement.
“The costs embody accepting bribes within the type of watches, looking journeys and trophies, prostitutes and a leased automobile which he loved using from 2011 to 2018 in Norway,” the assertion mentioned.
The indictment follows a joint investigation with Austrian authorities and cooperation with authorities in Canada, the Czech Republic and Liechtenstein, the Norwegian company mentioned.
“The case has been an infinite burden on Besseberg and his household,” Besseberg’s lawyer, Christian B. Hjort, mentioned in an announcement. “He has suffered extreme accusations towards him for greater than 5 years. He appears to be like ahead to presenting his case earlier than the courtroom, and he trusts that the courtroom will see that there are neither any factual foundation for the remaining accusations towards him.”
