Nonetheless, no one is sure who it belongs to, and many doubt its very existence. Some sources have said it was sent by Saddam Hussein, while others offer the government of Iran as the owner. According to a Russian intelligence agency source, those trying to claim it allegedly include Ukrainian spies, Chechen gangsters, al-Qa'ida members and even the Knights of Malta.
The Knights, for one, flatly deny the suggestion however, and say they have nothing whatsoever to do with such claims. The document does not list a recipient. Several Russian intelligence agencies took control of the shipment, which has not yet been claimed, the newspaper reported. Motlagh was one of three people the Iranian government entrusted with picking up the money, but he tried to steal one of the shipments in Abu Dhabi and then suffered a suspicious heart attack in the custody of Iranian intelligence, Ivan said.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta Knights of Malta contacted The Independent after this article was first published to make clear they have made no claim on the Moscow airport money.
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