The U.S. Justice Dept. has reportedly "opened an investigation into state-sponsored doping by dozens of Russia's top athletes," according to Rebecca R. Ruiz of the N.Y. TIMES. Sources said that the U.S. attorney's office for the Eastern District of N.Y. is "scrutinizing Russian government officials, athletes, coaches, antidoping authorities and anyone who might have benefited unfairly from a doping regimen." Prosecutors are "believed to be pursuing conspiracy and fraud charges." In their inquiry, U.S. prosecutors are "expected to scrutinize anyone who might have facilitated unclean competition" in the U.S. or used the U.S. banking system to conduct a doping program. The inquiry, which originated with the FBI, would have to "clear several hurdles before charges could be filed." Even if prosecutors are able to "establish jurisdiction, securing the cooperation of Russian authorities in pursuing evidence and witnesses" -- and in ultimately delivering any charged defendants to the U.S. -- would be "all but impossible." While the Eastern District’s FIFA investigation and Russian doping investigation are independent inquiries, "there is an overlap between the two matters." Prosecutors from the business and securities fraud section and the organized crime division are "involved in both, and certain public figures have overlapping ties to Russian sports" and global football (N.Y. TIMES, 5/17).
