According to information from AFP, Etienne Thobois and Edouard Donnelly, two senior officials of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (OCOG), were searched on Tuesday as part of a preliminary investigation conducted by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) in France. The investigation originated in 2017 and focuses on a series of contracts awarded by the Organizing Committee of the 2024 Olympic Games and GIP 2024 (the bid committee that preceded the OCOG). Illegal actions, misappropriation of public funds, favoritism, and cover-ups of favoritism are suspected in those contracts.
The search conducted on the officials is part of the preliminary investigation that has been ongoing since 2017 by the NFP. This investigation seeks to shed light on possible irregularities in the allocation of contracts related to the organization of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Specific allegations include illegal actions, misappropriation of public funds, suspicions of favoritism, and cover-ups of favoritism.
The investigation focuses on both the Organizing Committee for the 2024 Olympic Games and GIP 2024, the bid committee prior to the formation of the OCOG. The searches conducted on Tuesday are part of the actions taken by the NFP in search of proof and evidence to support the aforementioned allegations.
This development generates increased attention to transparency and integrity in the organization of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. As the preliminary investigation progresses and more evidence is collected, it is expected that details will be clarified and a determination will be made as to whether there are solid grounds to move forward with a formal prosecution.