Grand Master of Russian Liberal Opposition Kasparov Guilty of Corruption

The World Chess Federation has found Garry Kasparov guilty of corruption charges and disqualified him for two years, reports Lenta.ru

The 13th world chess champion Kasparov has been suspended from any activities related to the World Chess Federation (FIDE) for two years after being found guilty of corruption. This was reported on the official website of the organization.

The former General Secretary of FIDE,the Singaporean Ignatius Leong received the same suspension.

As a result of the investigation, conducted by FIDE, it was discovered that before the last year's presidential elections in the Federation, Kasparov, who aspired to the position, and the then General Secretary Leong made a pact. Under it, Kasparov paid $500 thousand to Leong for votes in the elections of the FIDE’s head from the Asian region. However,the election  result was that Kasparov lost to  the current, head of the organization Kirsan Ilyumzhinov who was re-elected for the post.

On September 8th, the director of FIDE's Department in Russia Berik Balgabaev reported that US law enforcement agencies have grounds for the prosecution of Kasparov, who lives in the United States. Earlier that day information that Kasparov and Leong were found guilty of violating the organization’s code of ethics appeared on the FIDE’s official website.

Kasparov is the eight times winner of World Chess Olympiads, the winner of eleven chess "Oscars” (prize for the best chess player of the year). In 2005, he ended his chess career to devote himself to politics. He has participated in a number of opposition movements in Russia and was one of the most vocal and best known in the West critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

russia-insider.com