The headquarters of the Paris 2024 Olympics organising committee have been searched by police in a suspected corruption probe just over a year out from the Games.
The searches of the premises were conducted by anti-corruption and financial crime investigators and the BRDE, the financial brigade of the Parisian police as part of an investigation into the embezzlement of public funds.
Searches are, in fact, under way at several sites, including the headquarters of the Games organisers (COJOP) and of SOLIDEO, the public body responsible for building projects linked to the event.
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Back in 2021, two reports by the French anti-corruption agency (AFA) raised concerns over "risks affecting probity", highlighting procedures over purchasing policies and potential conflicts of interests.
PA news agency reports that searches were part of two preliminary investigations opened by the France's financial public prosecutor, the PNF.
The first was opened by the Central Office for the Fight Against Corruption, Financial and Tax Offences in 2017 with charges of "illegal taking of interests, embezzlement of public funds, favouritism and concealment of favouritism", targeting several contracts awarded in particular by COJOP.
The second investigation is being conducted by the BRDE, the financial brigade of the Parisian police, with charges of "illegal taking of interests, favouritism and concealment of favouritism relating to several contracts awarded by COJOP and SOLIDEO".
The Olympics will be held from July 26 until August 11, with the Paralympic Games taking place from August 28 until September 6.
An International Olympic Committee spokesperson said: "We are aware that there has been a search by police of the Paris 2024 headquarters today.
"We have been informed by Paris 2024 that they are co-operating fully with the authorities in this matter and we would refer you to them for further information."
Another stain in year of French sporting scandals
In May, Brigitte Henriques previously resigned as the president of France's National Olympic Committee and this latest news is just the latest in a number of sporting scandals in the country recently.
Bernard Laporte, the former French Sports Minister, quit his role as president of the French Rugby Federation in January after being convicted of corruption - just months away from France hosting the men's Rugby World Cup - and French Football Federation president, Noel Le Graet, resigned a month later after accusations of harassment.
Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris 2024 organising committee, has yet to comment and Paris 2024 did not give any further details, other than the initial statement.
"We do not have anything else to share at the moment," a spokesperson said.