Rio police seize passports, laptops of Irish officials in investigation

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An ongoing investigation into an Olympic ticket scalping scandal has led Brazilian police to raid the Ireland Olympic Committee’s office Sunday, seizing passports, phones and laptops. Members of the Olympic Council of Ireland have been ordered to report to local police for questioning early next week.

This latest move comes four days after Rio authorities arrested IOC executive committee member Patrick Hickey. Hickey, the head of both the Irish and European Olympic committees was taken to the hospital after feeling ill during the arrest. He remains in custody.

The 71-year-old is suspected of participating in the ticket scalping scandal “with at least six others,” AP reported. Agents reportedly seized more than 1,000 tickets that were sold for high fees after being allocated by the OCI.

In a statement, the council said about three Irish personnel had passports, phones and laptops seized Sunday. No arrests were made.

“We are continuing the investigation into the international scheme of ticket scalping,” Rio police said. “Agents are conducting investigations since this morning which will continue until Tuesday.”

The BBC reported that OCI officials are set to meet in Dublin on Sunday night to discuss the series of events that have unfolded in Brazil.