World chess chief to sue US for $50 billion over sanctions
Sports
43 MINS AGO BY AGENCIES
World Chess Federation (FIDE) president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov said Tuesday he would seek $50 billion from the United States over his addition to a blacklist for alleged ties to the Syrian regime.
“I consider that these accusations are either a mistake or a provocation,” said Ilyumzhinov.
“Given that I have already suffered morally, my lawyers will sue for $50 billion.”
The US Treasury Department accused Ilyumzhinov of “materially assisting and acting for or on the behalf of” the Syrian government and the central bank, as well as Central Bank governor Adib Mayaleh.
Ilyumzhinov, a 53-year-old Russian citizen, has dismissed the charge, repeatedly telling local media he has no economic interests in Syria or Iraq.
FIDE said on Sunday that Ilyumzhinov had transferred most of his powers to his deputy, Georgios Makropoulos, and that he would withdraw from “any legal, financial and business operations of FIDE” until sanctions against him are lifted.
The sanctions forbid US individuals or entities from doing any business with those on the blacklist, restricting their access to international financial networks crucial to doing business.
George Haswani denies being acquainted with FIDE President Ilyumzhinov
December 8, 2015 INTERFAX
Businessman George Haswani has denied being acquainted with FIDE World Chess Federation President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, with whom he was simultaneously included in the U.S. ‘Syrian’ sanctions list.
“I have no relations to and no ties with him. I do not know him,” Haswani told the Business FM radio station.
Source: http://rbth.com
Given the golden success Ilyumzhinov seems to have with everything he touches, I imagine the US will soon be $50 billion poorer. Has he ever lost at anything he put his hand to in his life?