Mr. Artem Lobuzov is a Russian swimmer, affiliated with the Russian Swimming Federation until he retired in April 2019.
In January 2019 the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recovered the internal database of the Moscow Laboratory (LIMS). Following investigation of allegations of organized doping practices, and in particular of the LIMS, WADA provided international federations with investigation reports on the athletes implicated in these organized doping practices.
In May 2021 the International Swimming Federation (FINA) opened an investigation into the Athlete after WADA had provided evidence that the Athlete had committed anti-doping rule violations in 2014.
Hereafter in August 2021 FINA reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete for the use of the prohibited substances Trenbolone, Metenolone and Oxandrolone in 2014. Also FINA reported that the Athlete was involved in the substitution of his urine samples by the Moscow Laboratory.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. In August 2021 the Athlete denied the charges and then he failed to respond to any of the FINA communications.
FINA contended that in November 2013 the Athlete's samples tested positive for the prohibited substances while he was part of a sophisticated doping scheme. He also provided 15 clean urine samples enabling the Moscow Laboratory to substitute and/or mix the urine sample he was providing during normal doping control tests.
The Moscow Laboratory did not report an Adverse Analytical Finding, instead the samples was falsely recorded as 'negative' in ADAMS by the Moscow Laboratory following the issuance of a "Save" directive.
In view of the WADA evidence the FINA Doping Panel finds that had been established that the Athlete had used the substances Metenolone, Oxandrolone and Trenbolone in 2014. Further the Panel finds that had been demonstrated that the Athlete had used the prohibited method of urine substitution.
De Panel considers that there are aggravating circumstances in this case and deems that the Athlete failed to provide any explanations, nor grounds for a reduced sanction.
Therefore the FINA Doping Panel decides on 11 February 2022 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 25 August 2021. Further the Athlete's competitive results shall be disqualified from 27 July 2014.
