The ITA successfully prosecutes three Russian weightlifters based on WADA I&I investigations, Prof McLaren report and LIMS data

The ADRVs were based on investigations conducted by the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Department (WADA I&I) and by Professor Richard McLaren into allegations of systemic doping practices in Russian sport as well as Moscow Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) data retrieved by WADA I&I over time.

Following these investigations and the subsequent review of the data, in July and October 2020, the ITA asserted ADRVs against Andrei Demanov (Art 2.1 – Presence of Prohibited Substance and Art 2.2 – Use of Prohibited Substances/Prohibited Method), Arsen Boraganov (Art 2.2 – Use of Prohibited Substances/Prohibited Method) and Aleksey Emelyaneko (Art 2.2 – Use of Prohibited Substances/ Prohibited Method).

After the conclusion of the Results Management process, the matters were referred by the ITA to the IWF Hearing Panel for adjudication.

On 14 September 2021, the IWF Hearing Panel issued the following decisions –

• Mr Andrei Demanov – Period of Ineligibility of 2 years from 3 July 2020 until 2 July 2022 and disqualification of all competitive results from 9 February 2012 thereon;
• Mr Arsen Boraganov – Period of Ineligibility of 4 years from 7 October 2020 until 6 October 2024 and disqualification of all competitive results from 28 November 2013 thereon; and
• Mr Aleksey Emelyaneko – Period of Ineligibility of 4 years from 7 October 2020 until 6 October 2024 and disqualification of all competitive results from 22 August 2014

During the Period of Ineligibility, as per Article 10.14 of the IWF Anti-Doping Rules, the athletes cannot participate in any capacity in any competition or any other activity either at the international or national level organised by any signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code.