He had been fired in February by Russian President Vladimir Putin over construction delays and cost overruns on the ski jumping facility for Sochi 2014.

He has now alleged that doctors have found the elevated mercury levels in his blood and that he is receiving treatment in Germany. 

"They have found elevated levels of mercury in my body," Bilalov told Interfax, a Russian non-Governmental news agency based in Moscow

"I didn't want to announce this before, but now that the press has found out, I'm forced to confirm it."

Toxic effects of too much mercury can include damage to the brain, kidney, and lungs while symptoms typically include sensory impairment of vision, hearing and speech), disturbed sensation and a lack of coordination.


Earlier this month, a criminal case was opened against Bilalov for allegedly misspending millions of dollars while in charge of a state-owned firm, Northern Caucasus Resorts.

Bilalov claimed the source of the mercury was his office in central Moscow.

He told Interfax he "began to feel bad in the middle of autumn last year", adding that he felt satisfactory after receiving treatment.

According to reports published in Russia, Bilalov's medical report shows he is being treated at a clinic in Baden-Baden.

Doctors found four times the normal amount of mercury in his blood.

"I don't want to blame anyone or speculate on how the mercury appeared in my Moscow office," said Bilalov.

"I have no idea.

"Upon returning to Moscow, I plan to approach law enforcement agencies so they can help sort out this situation."

The Russian Government have promised to treat Bilalov's complaint seriously.

"Bilalov obviously can turn to the law enforcement bodies with the relevant application," said a spokesperson for Interior Ministry.

"It will be looked into in the specified manner."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
March 2013: Fired Russian Olympic Committee vice-president suspected of misspending half-a-billion dollars
February 2013: Russian Olympic Committee vice-president fired by Putin over Sochi 2014 delays