'Gratified' Mikhail Prokhorov hosting Russian PM at $30m French chalet

New York, Jan 4 (ANI): Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov is hosting Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at his 30 million dollars French Alps chalet, as a token of thanks for clearing his name from a prostitution scandal.

The soon-to-be New Jersey Nets owner invited Putin to stay at his chalet in Courchevel after Putin secured an apology from French authorities for dragging his name into the scandal.

"Putin arrived on Saturday with an entourage of 100 people. He is staying at Prokhorov's chalet, which is surrounded by a ring of tight security," the New York Post quoted a source as saying.

"Prokhorov invited him as a thank you for officially clearing his name. It is intended to be a very secret and private visit," the source added.

They would ski on mountains that will be closed to the public amid tight security.

"Putin is also a very keen skier, and entire runs and lifts will be closed for him. He and Prokhorov are so close that Putin is rumoured to be lining him up for a political role. At the very least, we expect to be seeing Putin on the sidelines at a Nets game," the source added. (ANI)