FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission announced its decision in the case of alleged postal harassment of female chess players by IM Andrejs Strebkovs

Acting on the Complaint of the FIDE President against IM Andrejs Strebkovs concerning allegations of postal harassment in violation of the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Code, the EDC found the Respondent guilty and sanctioned him to a worldwide ban of five years from participating in any FIDE-rated event as a player, or to be physically present at any such FIDE rated event.

A complaint from the FIDE President prompted the EDC investigation submitted on May 1, 2024, based on the findings of two separate investigations - an in-depth report by the Meduza Internet Platform published in February 2022 and a formal police investigation in Riga, Latvia. Both investigations traced the letters back to IM Strebkovs using forensic evidence, including DNA analysis.

In his response, IM Strebkovs claimed that only one case – from 2021 – can be subject to a complaint, as the other letters "have nothing to do with the chess competitions…" or chess. The Respondent further claims that the letters do not concern FIDE or the national chess federations and the activities of those organizations. In effect, he was claiming that FIDE has no jurisdiction over the cases in question.

The police investigation in Latvia was followed by a criminal case which concluded that the actions did not constitute a criminal offense under Latvian law, the EDC determined that IM Strebkovs violated multiple provisions of the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Code related to human dignity, ethical behavior, and social conduct. The EDC found compelling evidence that Latvian chess player IM Andrejs Strebkovs engaged in a disturbing pattern of harassment over the past decade against female chess players. The investigation revealed that dozens of female players, some as young as 14, received obscene letters containing pornographic material and used condoms, sent to their homes, clubs, universities and tournament venues. In addition to sending letters, Strebkov, for many years, allowed himself offensive statements about women on various Internet platforms, which contributed to his identification.

"FIDE will not tolerate any form of harassment or abuse within the chess community, especially in the cases where minors are involved," said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.

"We want to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all players, regardless of whether they are male or female. We welcome the decision by the Ethics & Disciplinary Commission, which sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated."

The Decision of the EDC notes that "FIDE strongly supports chess players competing in a safe and respectful environment. This environment includes and extends to playing venues. Part of this support is encouraging and empowering victims to speak up and report transgressions which contravene with these principles to safeguard a safe environment."

In 2023, FIDE has partnered with Safe Sport International to begin the process of developing a Safeguarding Framework within FIDE.

The Decision of the EDC can be found – here.