Sochi Games come with Olympic-sized corruption, official charges

[davidpdx]

Source: Christian Science Monitor

A Swiss member of the International Olympic Committee has publicly conceded an embarrassing reality that most Russians have long known about: the looming Sochi Olympics have been a virtual potlatch of corruption, with about a third of the $55 billion in mostly-state expenditures siphoned off in bribes and kickbacks by greedy officials.

Gian-Franco Kasper, president of the International Ski Federation and a Swiss member of the IOC, told a Swiss radio station Thursday that corruption appears to be an "everyday matter" in Russia, and that he estimates as much as $18 billion of Sochi's vast construction and development budget was simply embezzled.

That's a big step forward, according to Boris Nemtsov, former Russian deputy prime minister and author of a study that exhaustively details the corruption that he says pervaded all aspects of the preparations for the Sochi Games.

"We've been trying to interest the IOC in this issue for quite awhile, but to no avail," says Mr. Nemtsov. "Until now there's been no clear acknowledgement of the issue, even though the facts are widely available. The attitude is that 'all is well' and if there's any corruption it's a problem for the host country and not the IOC."

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/sochi-games-come-olympic-sized-corruption-official-charges-141202823.html

[jakeXT]

1. Assassinations and arrests (from a year old article)

Usoyan, an ethnic Kurdish Yezidi from neighbouring Georgia, was 75 when he was killed by a sniper after leaving his favourite Moscow restaurant, and makeshift office, on 16 January. He was buried with little fanfare four days later in a cemetery on the capital's outskirts.

Usoyan was one of Russia's most high-profile thieves-in-law. He was tasked with overseeing his mafia clan's obshchak – a term applied to the clan's common fund – and doling out its cash.

His death removed one of the most powerful players in the Russian mafia, reviving fears of a 1990s-style gang war.

Since Usoyan's murder in mid-January, Russia's underworld has been hit by further assassinations and arrests. Most have centred around Rovshan Dzhaniyev, an ethnic Azeri who is among those rumoured to be suspected of ordering the hit on Usoyan.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/04/death-russian-mobster-war-sochi

[DonCoquixote]

2. I hate to root against the Olympics

Because I know that underneath it all, there are a bunch of young, somewhat idealitisc kids trying to put on a show so that, for one moment, we are all in the same stands.

But that BS got killed long ago. And this Olympics will be a blatant hell yes to Gaybashing, one that all who go there will santicfy. I am really, really surprised that the US and EU are even thinking of showing up. This is not about one nation, it is about whether we, as a WORLD, decide to reward the hatred of a group of people. Last time the Olympics made this mistake, it was 1936.

Yes, scream about Godwin's law, the shoe, and in this case, the Jackboot fits.

[jakeXT]

3. The Jesse Owens freight elevator thing surprised me

While the Germans seemed able to overlook his race the Americans apparently could not. Yes they had an awards benefit for him but he couldn't ride on the regular elevator to get to it, no that was not allowed when you were black. Instead he had to rid the freight elevator. America still had a long way to go before black people would be free of violence and oppression but in reality Jesse Owens started the ball rolling with his amazing talent and heart. He was a determined young man who fought against the odds to beat out all of his competitors and win.

http://www.olympics30.com/30greatest/jesse-owens-1936.asp

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

4. Where did that $55B come from?

If it came from the U.S., or the U.N., or the IOC, then it is newsworthy.

If it came from the Russian govt, then it is non-shocking, indeed. Corruption within Russia? Who knew?

It's how the machine is greased, and no skin off our noses.

[davidpdx]

6. It came from Russia

I think the attitude that corruption in other countries is no big deal is not ok. Russia has a large majority of poor people and is one of the most corrupt nations in the world. It may be no skin off your nose, but I'm sure it is from theirs.

The map is from Transparency International:




The darkest red is the most corrupt, the light yellow is the least.

[tomm2thumbs]

5. imagine the loads of money being skimmed from security and safety budgets -- gaps and holes aplenty

makes one wonder if it is worth sending a country's athletes into harm's way when the system there is corrupt -- and to that extent.

[davidpdx]

7. Exactly!

The corruption and bigotry are bad. But not add security concerns and it could be a disaster.