Ireland's Top Olympic Official Arrested for Scalping Scheme, While Naked in Rio Hotel

Patrick Hickey, Europe’s top Olympic official was arrested in Rio on Wednesday morning for being involved in a ticket scalping scheme at the 2016 Olympics. When the police finally tracked him down, Hickey answered the door naked. Yeah, a 71-year-old Irishman was arrested while naked, and it didn’t happen in South Boston.

Police initially went to Hickey’s hotel room and his wife answered the door. She had his Olympic credentials, but claimed he had returned to Ireland over the weekend. With the help of hotel staff, police searched the building and found Hickey in the room next door.

Fellow Irishman James Mallon was arrested the day of the opening ceremony and Hickey’s arrest is related to that. Police estimate the profits from the alleged scheme were in the realm of $3.1 million. The IOC claims it will cooperate with the investigation.

Hickey is reportedly facing three charges: facilitating ticket touting, forming a cartel and “ambush” or illicit marketing. Last week he denied any wrongdoing.

He was taken to the hospital after the arrest as a precaution and will likely stay there for the night.