Brazilian police said that they have "overwhelming" proof former Olympic Council of Ireland President Patrick Hickey "led an illegal ticketing ring at the Rio Games and are preparing to make a formal accusation later in the week," according to Rodrigo Viga Gaier of REUTERS. Rio de Janeiro Police Chief Ricardo Barbosa said that Hickey will be accused, along with THG Sports Dir Kevin Mallon, "with scalping, ambush marketing and criminal association." Police said that taken together, "the crimes are punishable with up to eight years in jail." Barbosa said, "We have vast amounts of documentary proof and our investigation will wind up on Thursday. The illegal acts were committed by the president of the Irish committee who had complete control over the scheme and the power to make decisions."
A lawyer for Hickey "did not respond to requests for comment." In addition to Hickey and Mallon, "another seven people are wanted by police for alleged ties to the ticket price-gouging scheme." Mallon "met with police on Monday but declined to answer questions during a 40-minute encounter." Hickey "is due to meet with officers on Tuesday but police said they already have enough evidence to go to trial, even without their cooperation." Barbosa said, "They have a constitutional right to remain silent but even if they do the proof is overwhelming" (REUTERS, 9/5).
