While there is no evidence of any wrongdoing on Antonova's part, it seems to be a connection which raises serious questions for Gates and, of course, for the California-based Russian herself.
Despite repeated approaches this week, it's still not known whether the 67-year-old Microsoft boss had any knowledge of any potential link between Antonova and Chapman, daughter of a former KGB officer.
Last week, however, Gates's spokeswoman admitted that pedophile Epstein, who was known to cultivate friendships with the ultra-wealthy in order to exploit them, had "tried unsuccessfully to leverage a past relationship" to threaten the business magnate into doing his bidding.
Epstein, a registered sex offender, reportedly sought to enlist Gates as an "anchor donor" in a multi-billion dollar global charitable fund he intended to establish. The purpose behind this proposal was to conceal his tarnished personal life and enhance his influence, the outlet reported. At the time of his alleged affair with Antonova, Gates was still married.
The two individuals had a series of meetings totaling more than six encounters. Gates even traveled on Epstein's private jet, famously referred to as the "Lolita Express." However, Gates has since expressed regret over his association with the disgraced billionaire financier, who allegedly died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges related to sex trafficking.
According to Gates's spokeswoman, any meetings that took place between Gates and Epstein were solely for philanthropic purposes. It should be noted that Gates eventually decided against participating in Epstein's charitable fund, and as a result, the project did not proceed.
"Even so, the question remains: If Epstein knew about the alleged affair — and later made sure Gates knew that he knew — did he also know about Antonova's apparent links to Chapman?" the Daily Mail noted.
"Certainly, a relationship between Gates, one of the most influential businessmen on the planet, and a woman who appears to have connections to a Kremlin intelligence agent is troubling," the outlet noted further.
Chapman, 41, was a member of a group of Russian spies engaged in extensive undercover operations throughout the United States. Having relocated from the UK in 2009, she settled in New York City. Prior to her move, Chapman had obtained a UK passport through marriage to a British individual.
The duration of Gates's alleged affair with Antonova remains undisclosed. The revelation emerged after leaked records maintained by Epstein were brought to the attention of The Wall Street Journal.
The outlet added that Epstein crossed paths with Antonova during her pursuit of funding for an online venture aimed at teaching bridge, circa 2014. The WSJ indicates that documents it reviewed indicate their introduction occurred through Boris Nikolic, a science adviser and close associate of Gates, originally from Croatia.
The "alleged relationship, Antonova's links to Epstein and, above all, her apparent links to the spy Anna Chapman, add another tangled layer" to the saga, the Daily Mail notes adding: "
And at a time when Russia is at loggerheads with both the U.S. and the UK, the connection will inevitably reignite concerns about attempts by Russian security services to infiltrate the ranks of the rich and powerful in the West."
Sources include:
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