A real estate developer
who says he has no ties
to Russia
is lying.
It is almost impossible
to operate in
that industry
without meeting someone
from both the Russian mob
and the Italian mob.
I worked in real estate development
for only a year
at a very low level
and I met dozens of people
from those two groups.
And it is very easy
to prove ties.
A few emails
with anyone Russian.
A few photos, again,
with anyone Russian.
Done.
A better response
is saying
“I have no ties with
XXX.”
or
“I have never spoken
with Russia about YYY.”
THAT could be the truth
and is more difficult to disprove.
Be specific.