"Acting in favor of Russia": the former head of the International Biathlon Union was sentenced to prison

The former president of the International Biathlon Union (IBU), Anders Besseberg, has been found guilty in a corruption case. The 78-year-old Norwegian official was sentenced to three years and one month in prison for abuses during his tenure as head of the organization.

The relevant decision was made by the Buskerud District Court in Hokksund, vg.no reports. Bessberg was found to have received an expensive watch from Russian officials who organized exclusive hunting trips to Russia, the Czech Republic, and Austria. Russian officials also paid for the Norwegian's prostitution services.

"In light of some documents, as well as the testimony of witnesses, the court does not doubt that he acted in favor of Russia both in word and deed," the court said in its verdict.

Besseberg himself denies any accusations and intends to appeal the decision. He had been IBU president for 25 years when he was forced to resign in 2018.

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