I think the larger point is that ripe turned a blind eye to an internationally recognized criminal network. On Oct 24, 2009 2:01 AM, "Suresh Ramasubramanian" <ops.lists@gmail.com> wrote: http://www.eweekeurope.co.uk/news/russian-police-and-internet-registry-accus... Some quotes from the article - Internet registry RIPE NCC turned a blind eye to cybercrime, and Russian police corruption helped the perpetrators get away with it, according to the UK Serious Organised Crime Agency [...] "RIPE was being paid by RBN for that service, for its IP allocation," he said. "Essentially what you have - and I make no apologies for saying this is - if you were going to interpret this very harshly RIPE as the IP allocation body was receiving criminal funds and therefore RIPE was involved in money laundering offences," said Auld. [...] "All we could get there was a disruption, we weren't able to get a prosecution in Russia," admitted Auld. "Our biggest concern is where did RBN go? Our information suggests that RBN is back in business but now pursuing a slightly different business model which is bad news." [...] "Where you have got LIRs (Local Internet Registries) set up to run a criminal business- that is criminal actvity being taken by the regional internet registries themselves. "So what we are trying to do is work with them to make internet governance a somewhat less permissive environment for criminals and make it more about protecting consumers and individuals," added Auld. RBN looked legitimate, says RIPE NCC In response to the comments that it could be accused of being involved in criminal activity, Paul Rendek, head of external relations and communications at RIPE NCC said that the organisation has very strict guidelines for dealing with LIRs. "The RBN was accepted as an LIR based on our checklists," he said." Our checklists include the provision of proof that a prospective LIR has the necessary legal documentation, which proves that a business is bona fide." etc