including sergei kanov who always has a hidden camera in his bag in case he is attacked again, as he has been twice before. >> one put a slip knot over my net and tried to strangle me. >> and a russian businessman who went into hiding after allegations of corruption that led to threats on his life. >> you will be drowned in blood. >> reporter: and we heard from the mayor of sochi who tried to laugh off our questions about corruption and mafia tie with an aide offcamera telling him not to answer. >> what are you talking about? never. sochi could never be a mafia city because this is a city where people come to relax. >> reporter: the decision by the international olympic committee to choose sochi was made seven years ago. there's no doubt that the personal appearance by russian president vladimir putin was a big factor. he spoke in english, something he almost never does in public. >> sochi's olympic bid has already brought its benefits. >> reporter: but that's not the whole story of why putin and the russians won the day. >> awarded to the city of sochi. >> reporter: an abc news inve