The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are once again making headlines, this time due to searches carried out at the headquarters of the Olympic organizing committee as well as several event agencies responsible for the opening ceremonies. This investigation comes in addition to two other procedures already opened on suspicion of irregularities in the award of contracts linked to the organization of the Games.
The National Financial Prosecutor’s Office is leading this new preliminary investigation which aims to explore charges such as illegal taking of interests, favoritism and concealment. The searches were carried out by Oclciff financial investigators at the headquarters of the organizing committee as well as in the Double 2, Ubibene, Obo and Paname 24 companies.
Among these agencies, Paname 24 is particularly significant since it brings together five of the largest French event production agencies and is responsible for the executive production of the opening ceremonies of the Games. This investigation therefore adds to the suspicions of favoritism and misappropriation of public funds already present in the two previous investigations.
These investigations highlight around twenty potentially contentious contracts, which raise questions about the transparency and ethics surrounding the organization of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The organizing committee confirmed the search and affirmed to cooperate fully with investigation.
It is important to emphasize that these ongoing investigations do not automatically mean evidence of wrongdoing, but they do raise doubts and require further investigation. Establishing fair and transparent procedures for awarding contracts is crucial to guaranteeing the integrity of the Olympic Games and preserving public trust.
In this period where Paris’s candidacy to host the Olympic Games has already given rise to numerous criticisms and questions, it is essential that those responsible for the 2024 Olympic Games collaborate fully with the investigators to shed light on these suspicions. Only a thorough and transparent investigation can restore confidence and guarantee the success of this major international sporting event.