European IOC chief arrested in Rio over ticket scandal
RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian police on Wednesday arrested top International Olympic Committee member Patrick Hickey as part of an operation against black market Rio Olympics tickets.
The 71-year-old head of the European Olympic Committees and Ireland's national committee was detained at dawn at a luxury Rio hotel where he is staying with other IOC members, police said.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/111700-European-IOC-chief-arrested-in-Rio-over-ticket-scandal
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According to Brazilian media, Hickey tried to escape when the operation was launched.
Pictures shown by ESPN Brazil showed Hickey speaking to police in a bathrobe in his room.
Hickey was taken away from the hotel in an ambulance at about 7.00am and was expected to spend the night in hospital, IOC spokesman Mark Adams and police said.
He has been accused of ticket scalping, ambush marketing and conspiracy. Prosecutors have estimated the profits from the black market sales at $3 million dollars.
"We will be fully cooperating with any police investigation," Adams told a press conference.
"Mr Hickey is entitled for the world and everyone to believe he is innocent until proven guilty," he added. "Let´s not jump the gun on this one."
Brazilian police have launched a widening investigation after seizing more than 1,000 premier tickets for Games events, including the opening ceremony.
