DENVER -- The U.S. Olympic Committee responded to allegations that a reputed Russian mobster fixed figure skating results at the Salt Lake Games by sending a letter of support to International Olympic Committee president Dr. Jacques Rogge.

The letter, sent by USOC chief officer Lloyd Ward and interim president Marty Mankamyer on Thursday, said the allegations strike at the heart of the Olympic ideal and that the IOC should use all means necessary to find the truth.

"Any connection between organized crime and the Olympic Games must be dealt with in the strongest possible manner, using all available resources and means,'' the letter said. "The athletes of the world expect this. The rich legacy they have established on the field of competition must be preserved, no matter the cost.''

Police in Italy arrested Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov on Wednesday on U.S. charges that he set up a scheme to fix two ice skating events at the Salt Lake Games.

Tokhtakhounov is accused of devising a plan to get a French judge to vote for the Russian pairs team, and a Russian judge to vote in turn for the French ice dancing team. Both teams won their events.

The USOC's letter said the allegations present a worldwide challenge to the Olympic movement and that it has affected all Olympic athletes.

"These allegations strike at the heart and soul of the Olympic ideal, and all of us who are entrusted with the rich legacy of the games must move aggressively and forcefully to deal with the issues,'' the letter said.

"All over the world, young men and women who share the Olympic dream, and who live their daily lives in practice of the Olympic ideals, are reacting to the news with dismay and concern,'' the letter continued. "They seek a level playing field and the chance to perform in a fair and honest environment.''

The USOC also said it agrees with the IOC's intentions to pursue the matter aggressively and that it would provide any support needed.