Morning:
3°c
Russia condemns wealthy young 'prats' after car crash
Will Stewart in Moscow24.11.09
The son of a Russian official seriously injured a pensioner when he crashed a Lamborghini while racing around Lake Geneva, it was alleged today.
Swiss police are investigating claims that four cars driven by wealthy young Russians, including a £1.2million Bugatti Veyron, hit speeds of 124mph.
Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin is known to be concerned about the damage to his country's reputation from such antics by the "golden youth", a generation who barely recall Communist hardships and live in the lap of luxury thanks to wealthy fathers.
Dmitry Rogozin, the Moscow ambassador to Nato, echoed the concern when he said: "The first generation of our 'new Russians' are behaving like complete prats.
"We are talking about a 'golden generation' who are not embarrassed to spend �100 on a cup of tea or order a risotto costing �300."
The Lamborghini driver, 22, who had alcohol in his blood, has not been named. Speculation in Moscow today suggested he is "the son of a high flying Russian official".
Two others involved in the "race" have been named as the sons of Telman Ismailov, Sarkhan, 24, and Alekper, 25.
They are said to have given witness statements to police and were not involved in the crash.
Their father infuriated Mr Putin recently by spending £40million on a party to open his hotel near Antalya in Turkey.
The race began when a group of young Russians left a hotel in Geneva shortly before midnight. One witness said: "It was like a grand prix."
A German man, 70, in a VW Golf was struck by the Lamborghini.
Reader views (2)
I'm sure the old fellow has an army of lawyers queueing up to offer their services.... the Swiss are good at getting gold out of people, ahem!
- Kevin Lynch, Dublin
"We are talking about a 'golden generation' who are not embarrassed to spend 100 on a cup of tea or order a risotto costing 300."
And the Russia Mafia, I mean the Politburo, was embarrassed about throwing money around?
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
