News
French Police Raid Paris 2024 Headquarters in Corruption Probe
The headquarters of the 2024 Olympics organising committee in Saint-Denis near Paris as it was searched by police on June 20, 2023
Prosecutors say they are investigating Olympics organisers over alleged embezzlement of public funds and favouritism.
The headquarters of the Paris 2024 Olympics organising committee and those of its infrastructure partner have been searched by French police as part of investigations into alleged embezzlement of public funds and favouritism, prosecutors say.
The national financial prosecutor’s office (PNF) said the Paris 2024 headquarters was raided on Tuesday after a preliminary investigation was launched in 2017 into contracts made by the Summer Games organising committee.
The headquarters of SOLIDEO, the public body responsible for delivering Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure, was also searched as part of a preliminary investigation dating back to 2022 after an audit by the French Anti-Corruption Agency, the PNF added.
A PNF spokesman told the Agence France-Presse news agency that the probes concerned “illegal conflict of interest, misuse of public funds and favouritism”.
Paris 2024 confirmed in a statement that a search was taking place at the headquarters of the organising committee.
“Paris 2024 is cooperating fully with the investigators to facilitate their inquiries,” it said. It did not give any details and made no further comment after the prosecutors’ statement.
The Paris 2024 Olympics, which organising committee President Tony Estanguet has promised will be “beyond reproach”, will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024, and the Paralympic Games will take place from August 28 to September 6 next year.
The searches coincided with the start of a two-day International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board meeting on Tuesday to discuss a number of issues, including progress of Paris 2024 Games preparations.
“We are aware that there has been a search by police of the Paris 2024 headquarters today,” an IOC spokesperson said. “We have been informed by Paris 2024 that they are cooperating fully with the authorities in this matter.”
The total budget of the games has soared to 8.8 billion euros ($9.62bn) from an initial assessment of 6.6 billion ($7.2bn) in 2017.
The infrastructure alone is expected to cost 4 billion euros ($4.37bn) from an original estimate of 3.2 billion ($3.5bn). The cost is limited as most of the events will be held in existing facilities.
The main construction sites are the Olympic village and the swimming pool in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris.
The cost of security, which according to France’s supreme audit institution would reach at least 400 million euros ($437m), has not been included in the overall budget.
Paris becomes the third straight Summer Games organiser implicated in investigations led by anti-corruption authorities.
Vote-buying allegations linked to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the Tokyo Games in 2021 previously removed several members of the International Olympic Committee from that organisation.
Japanese prosecutors this year indicted six companies, including advertising giant Dentsu Group, and seven individuals over suspected rigging of bids worth $320m for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.
East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.
Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.
Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.
His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.
Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.
For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.
By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.
With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.
Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.
Audio
KenryWhite Releases “Kilometers” & “The King” A Powerful Double Release Celebrating Faith, Purpose, and the Journey to Greatness
Nigerian Afrofusion artist KenryWhite unveils his compelling two-track release, “Kilometers & The King,” a project that explores the realities of life’s journey while affirming identity, faith, and purpose.
Leading the release is “Kilometers,” an uplifting anthem that reflects on the distance between dreams and fulfillment. Through heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and vibrant Afrobeats production, KenryWhite encourages listeners to embrace the process, remain resilient, and keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.
Complementing the project is “The King,” featuring Wonder J. The record is a bold declaration of confidence, royalty, and divine purpose, blending infectious Afrobeats rhythms with inspiring lyricism. Together, the duo delivers a record that celebrates self-belief, leadership, and the mindset required to overcome every obstacle.
With rich storytelling, memorable melodies, and contemporary African sounds, “Kilometers & The King” showcases KenryWhite’s artistic growth while delivering music that inspires, motivates, and connects with audiences across the globe.
Now available on all major streaming platforms, “Kilometers & The King” invites listeners to embrace the journey, recognize their worth, and walk confidently into their purpose.
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