Not only does Plotkin's version of events seem more feasible, Spraggett, a Grandmaster, refuses to spell Plotkin's name correctly. He starts out spelling it "Potkin" and then switches to "Plotking". I don't know GM Spraggett, but it's the GM rather than the FM who comes off worse here.

MNb wrote on 06/06/11 at 09:52:24:


How is this even possible? Can someone explain? 

TalJechin wrote on 06/05/11 at 23:07:50:


Well, if you can earn an FM title by losing a game instead of drawing one can wonder if it's cheating indeed.

Not to give anyone ideas but: http://www.spyzone.com/ccp0-prodshow/ScrambledRadios-earspyx6.html

They could have tiny cameras in glasses or clothes. Organizers will have to get their act together fast if they really want to stop this sort of thing. They should be jamming all of the common communication frequencies as standard. Cameras in the toilets should be the easiest thing to implement and the least of their concerns. For women they can easily have only women who can use the cameras. 
   
“We had reached a complicated position. I had taken on b2 which was a bit risky. However, in a very concrete position where calculating was necessary, he was constantly away from the board. Three times, I made a move and it took 8-10 minutes for him to show up at the board. Naturally I started looking for him and I even waited for a while in the toilets. One toilet was occupied, but I didn’t hear any typical ‘toilet sounds’.

This sounds to me like it's reached the level of a farce for how easy it is. "hmm a complicated tactical position here, uh oh I think I have to go to the toilet again..." At least make it really hard to cheat.  
  
I also don't think there should be trainers allowed to walk around the hall. There isn't any good reason they should be there during play.  
   

More cheating... 
http://kevinspraggett.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html#1303311113135336488

The latest rumour in French chess circles is that both Feller and Wirig cheated in the European Championship! Ridiculous, almost certainly, but it now seems that any time a French player makes a good performance he will be suspected of cheating!
Perhaps the French Federation could have handled this matter more discreetly? Only a few days ago a croupier at the local casino started going on to me about chessplayers cheating - he'd seen it on TF1!

Markovich wrote on 04/10/11 at 18:15:57:

I am not blaming the French Federation. Nevertheless, the fact remains that everyone involved was French, they are alleged to have cheated, and the cheating occurred at the Olympiad. Which explains the title of the thread!
I am happy to put up a poll to see what, if any, alternative title is preferred if anyone wants? Suggestions?

Well, I would just be very cautious about spreading blame.  Maybe the French chess authorities had little choice, but if they did the right thing, surely they are immune from criticism in this affair.