In raids conducted by Europol several Bahrain Victorious riders and staff houses have been searched by police.
During last year’s Tour de France the French police raided the Bahrain-Victorious team’s hotel rooms. The team has since been under investigation and the Europol decided to conduct a multi national raid on the riders and staff’s homes, including the team principal Milan Erzen.
The investigation was led by the Office Central de Lutte contre les Atteintes à l’Environnement et la Santé Publique (OCLAESP and here’s what the police had to say,
“The house searches experienced today by members from team Bahrain Victorious represent a continuation of the investigation process that began during the team’s successful performances at last year’s Tour de France. Bahrain Victorious were the only team in the Tour de France under investigation during the race last year.
“At no time, and so far, have the team been informed of the progress, results or received any feedback about the investigation from the Marseilles Prosecutor’s Office. Bahrain Victorious has repeatedly requested access to the file or acquaintance with the state of investigation but without success.”
The team also hit out the manner of the investigation, making several unsubstantiated claims about the use of the information gained from the 2021 hotel raids.
“Moreover, shortly after the investigation was carried out, the investigators illegally provided information regarding the seized items, on the basis of which an article was published in a professional medical journal. The journal stated that the team did not possess illicit substances. Still, this behaviour of the investigators casts doubt on the investigation’s credibility, given that information about the investigation by the French authorities comes to the media. In contrast, the team does not receive any feedback.
“After almost a year of unsuccessful efforts by the team to obtain additional information, the investigators decided on new investigations just days before the start of the most important cycling race, which undoubtedly casts a shadow of doubt on the purpose of the investigation.
“The team have always cooperated completely transparently with all competent institutions and will continue to do so in the future, with the hope of greater transparency and a sense of the independence of investigators, as well as equal treatment of all teams.”