British supermodel Naomi Campbell has set Russia's gossip columns ablaze after striking up a friendship with controversial businessman Umar Djabrailov. The pair have been photographed arm-in-arm at Moscow's most exclusive nitespots, though the billionaire tycoon insists they are just friends.
"We have great fun together," said Djabrailov. "We go sightseeing and to restaurants and shopping. She loves shopping!" The Chechen entrepreneur, who made a failed bid for the Russian presidency in 2000, says he first met Naomi several years ago and they have remained close pals ever since.
This is not the first time the business mogul's name has hit the headlines, however, as his rumoured underworld links have been the subject of extensive media speculation. In 1996, US businessman Paul Tatum, who had been involved in a lengthy struggle with Umar for control of the Slavyanskaya Hotel in Moscow, was murdered. Prior to his death the American said his business rival made a threat on his life.
Some years later an American journalist investigating the case left Russia abruptly after putting the allegations to Mr Djabrailov. While no charges were ever brought, the tycoon's US visa was subsequently revoked and his hotel declared off-limits for US officials.
Mr Djabrailov has consistently denied all the allegations. He also insists his relationship with Naomi is purely platonic. "We are in touch all the time," he reveals. "She calls me and sends me things, even though we do not meet that often. She is not an easy person, but when she is your friend, she is a real friend."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
