Allegations of corruption have swirled around the Rio Olympics for months, and now according to Reuters investigations have amplified.
Brazil officials have expanded their probe into possible corruption to include all the Olympic venues and services financed with federal funds.
The investigations previously focused on “legacy” projects related to staging the Olympics, including the Olympic park and the Deodoro area where many of the main Olympic venues are located.
Lead prosecutor Leonardo Mitidieri told Reuters:
“It’s not just the physical works we’re looking at – it is contracts for services, security, everything that used federal funds”.
Mitidieri also noted his team is looking into what happened to funds that were designated for cleaning Guanabara Bay, where the Olympic sailing events are set to take place, along with lakes surrounding the main Olympic venues in the Barra neighborhood.
These bodies of water remain severely contaminated despite promises to improve them as part of the Olympic “legacy” project.
Another team is investigating whether or not Rio state water utility firm Cedae has committed environmental crimes by not properly treating sewage in Rio’s metropolitan area.
Mitidieri wouldn’t reveal whether or not they had found any cases of corruption but that announcements on the results would be made in the coming weeks.
The nation continues to have significant problems as the Olympic fast approach. President Dilma Rousseff is currently facing an impeachment trial, the economy is in its worst recession since the 1930s, and the zika virus is a massive health concern for all.
On Monday the problems kept coming, with Brazilian Minister of Planning Romero Jucá forced into resigning after being caught on tape allegedly calling for President Rousseff’s impeachment.
Read the full article on Reuters here.
MOVE THE GAMES TO LONDON NOW !!!!