|
Russian commercial envoy downplays prostitution allegations
December 6, 2004
Valeri Shlyamin, the commercial representative of the Russian Federation in
Finland, says that the suspicions of pimping directed at two Russian diplomats
stationed in Helsinki are "strange".
He also says that he hopes that problems linked with the use of apartments
owned by the trade mission could be "handled in a civilised manner between
officials".
"This is not a problem with an extensive impact on society, so I do not
understand why the media is linked up with these discussions, and why they have
taken a clearly accusatory point of view."
Shlyamin says that the trade mission has apartments which it rents out to
people when they are free.
"I would like to point out that we are not police. All we know about our
tenants is that they have permanent residence permits for Finland, and that
they can afford to pay rent. Besides, Finnish officials grant residence permits
only to those who are classified as honest."
Shlyamin also denies reports in the Finnish media that the prostitution scandal
would involve two Russian diplomats.
"One of the diplomats has returned to Russia, because his posting, which lasted
a few years, ran out. The other is continuing his work quite normally."
He adds that the diplomats were in contact with a woman arrested in the
investigation only because of matters related to the renting of an apartment.
Meanwhile, police say that the investigation into the alleged use of diplomatic
residences for prostitution will stretch into next year.
Police have been investigating allegations of aggravated pimping for several
months. A number of women are believed to have used three diplomatic apartments
for the purpose of commercial sex.
One 41-year-old Russian woman has been remanded in custody in the case. She is
believed to have run a prostitution ring for at least two years, bringing in
dozens, if not hundreds of women to Finland to engage in commercial sex. She is
not a diplomat, but has lived in Finland for several years.
The police also want to interview two Russian diplomats on the matter.
Police say that the women working out of the diplomatic apartments have
solicited clients mainly from restaurants in the centre of Helsinki.
Investigators are looking into the possibility that the prostitutes may have
deliberately sought clients among Finnish civil servants, politicians, and
corporate executives.
Comment on this story,
click here.
Copyright 1999-2004, AsianSexGazette.com. All rights reserved. No
content may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission.
Please contact us via the link below for re-print and syndication policies.
|
|
 |
