Interpol joins French investigation into track and field corruption

Interpol will be looking into the allegations that IAAF officials took bribes and covered up positive tests by athletes.

Interpol has joined a French-led investigation into doping allegations in track and field, the international policing agency announced on Monday morning.

The announcement comes after the World Anti-Doping Agency released the findings by an independent commission's probe into Russian doping in athletics and corruption by officials within the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Five athletes and five coaches have been recommended for lifetime bans in what former WADA head Dick Pound described as a state sponsored systemic doping system. 

“The world police body is now working with member countries potentially linked to the inquiry, including Singapore, to seek assistance in coordinating a global investigative network and support the criminal investigation on the basis of the intelligence gathered by the WADA independent commission,” Interpol said in a statement.

• World Anti-Doping Agency: IAAF should suspend Russia

Former IAAF President Lamine Diack, 82, was arrested last Sunday and questioned over allegations that he accepted bribes for deferring sanctions against Russian athletes that have tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. On Tuesday, Diack was released on bail and ordered not to leave France as the investigation continues. His son Papa Massata Diack is also accused of taking bribes to cover up Russian positive tests. 

Interpol will be looking into a Singapore-based company that Diack's son would allegedly use to filter funds from the operation. 

- Christopher Chavez