Skip to main content

Irishman in Rio Games ticket-scalping probe released on bail

  • Author:
  • Publish date:

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Brazilian officials say an Irish businessman arrested at the beginning of the Rio Games in a ticket-scalping probe has been released on bail.

Rio's department of penitentiaries said on Sunday that Kevin Mallon left the Bangu prison complex late Saturday on condition that he doesn't leave Brazil.

Investigators are still building a case against Mallon that also involves the president of the Olympic Council of Ireland, Patrick Hickey. The 71-year-old OCI leader was arrested on Aug. 17 in his hotel room.

Mallon is the head of the British ticket and hospitality provider THG Sports. He was arrested with hundreds of tickets, including some that were officially allocated to Ireland's committee.

Police believe sports executives and businessmen plotted to transfer the tickets illegally and set high fees disguised as hospitality packages.

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.