2024-04-12 16:04:56
The former president of the International Biathlon Union Anders Besseberg was sentenced to three years and one month in prison for corruption, the prosecutor’s office in Norway announced, quoted by BTA.
The violations for which the 78-year-old Norwegian was convicted were in the period 2009-2018. He was the head of the world biathlon between 1992 and 2008.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Besseberg received various types of bribes – expensive watches, hunting trips, prostitutes and also a car on lease.
“The verdict is an important signal that corruption has been exposed and is being prosecuted, even when it is in international sports federations,” prosecutor Marianne Dupesland said in a statement.
“International sport at the highest level generates large revenues and handles large assets. Federations manage large assets and make important decisions that affect both athletes and businesses. We therefore hope that this sentence will have a deterrent effect,” he added. Dupesland.
Besseberg denied any wrongdoing and said he would appeal.
“Of course I am disappointed and surprised by the sentence. I will appeal the sentence,” Bessebert told Norwegian National Television.