The Austrian authorities are currently looking into allegations of doping and fraud involving ten members of the Russian biathlon team. Police visited the Russian team’s accommodation in Austria before a World Cup event to question athletes and staff. This investigation is part of a broader probe into corruption and doping that implicates the International Biathlon Union.
Prosecutors in Austria have stated that five Russian biathletes are suspected of serious fraudulent doping, while five team members are suspected of using banned substances or doping methods. The authorities are investigating potential illegal gains from winnings obtained by sponsored athletes.
The alleged crimes took place during the 2017 World Cup in Austria, and the accused have been formally notified of the investigation. Despite a series of doping scandals leading to the exclusion of Russian athletes from the recent Winter Olympics, no athletes have yet faced criminal charges.
Grigory Rodchenkov, a key figure in exposing Russian doping practices, provided information that triggered the Austrian police action. The Russian team is currently in Austria for a World Cup event, and the Russian Biathlon Union has stated its intention to continue competing.
Olympic champion Anton Shipulin, who won gold in the 2014 Sochi Games, vehemently denies any allegations of doping and expressed frustration at what he perceives as a witch hunt. Alexander Voronov, another accused athlete, claimed innocence on Instagram regarding alleged blood transfusions in February 2017.
Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, criticized the timing of the police visit as it occurred just before a major competition, casting doubt on the intentions behind the investigation.
