Brazilian police will this week formally accuse Pat Hickey, former head of the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI), of leading an illegal ticketing ring at the Rio Games.
According to the Reuters news agency, Hickey and Kevin Mallon, a director of hospitality and events company THG Sports, face up to eight years in jail for their part in a touting scheme that rocked last month’s Olympic Games.
Hickey is set to be questioned by police today after being released on bail last week. Mallon met with police yesterday (Monday) but, according to Rio de Janeiro police chief Ricardo Barbosa, declined to answer questions during a 40-minute encounter.
“We have vast amounts of documentary proof and our investigation will wind up on Thursday,” Barbosa said. “The illegal acts were committed by the president of the Irish committee who had complete control over the scheme and the power to make decisions.”
Police will ask for the two men, both of whom have already had their passports confiscated, to remain in Brazil indefinitely. Another seven people are wanted by police for alleged ties to the scheme.
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