Justice Department’s Criminal Investigation into Chinese Swimmers’ Doping Scandal

The Justice Department’s Criminal Investigation into Chinese Swimmers’ Doping Scandal

The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into the handling of doping cases involving top Chinese swimmers who tested positive for banned substances but were not penalized, allowing them to secure multiple medals, including three golds, at the previous Olympics. This development has been confirmed by sources familiar with the matter and the international governing body for swimming.

The decision to initiate a criminal probe represents a significant escalation by the United States against China, global antidoping authorities, and the Olympic community. This move is expected to cast a shadow of suspicion over the upcoming Summer Games in Paris, where eleven of the swimmers who previously tested positive, yet were not sanctioned, are set to compete as part of the Chinese Olympic team. Some of these athletes are considered favorites to clinch medals once again.

In a recent revelation by The New York Times, it was disclosed that both the World Anti-Doping Agency and Chinese antidoping authorities opted not to punish 23 elite Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for banned substances in early 2021. The decision to withhold sanctions and conceal the positive test results enabled these swimmers to participate in the Tokyo Games and emerge victorious.

Following the report by The New York Times, it was revealed that the FBI had been made aware of the positive tests and the subsequent clearance of the athletes of any wrongdoing within the past year. Federal investigators have since taken steps to gather more information on the matter. The initiation of a full-fledged criminal investigation underscores the seriousness of the situation surrounding the doping scandal involving Chinese swimmers.