GET Rio investigated for alleged corruption
Despite GET Rio ending some two months ago with paiN claiming the CS2 trophy of the multi-title event, the story behind the event continues unraveling. After being riddled with technical problems, bureaucratic issues, several date changes, and "gamer hours" BO3 series which propelled some calls from residents of the area to the police to complain about noise, GET Rio is now being investigated due to an anonymous tip that alleges there has been a case of corruption.
Before the recent corruption investigation, GET Rio and the Brazilian Confederation of Games and Esports (CBGE) were asked by the State of Rio Janeiro to present a report regarding all the issues that happened during the event, including a potential breach of contract. GET Rio received about $815,000 from the Rio de Janeiro government to run the event.
Dust2 Brasil has been following the development of this case very closely and released an article stating that the CBGE has not replied to the Rio de Janeiro government's request for a report, despite being given seven more days after the first set date to hand in the report. Now, CBGE could be facing administrative sanctions and may have to refund donations.
One of the reasons why the federation hasn't handed the report in by now is that CBGE has undergone a full rebuild, with a new administration that has nothing to do with GET Rio's organization.
Regarding the corruption investigation, an anonymous tip was sent to Rio de Janeiro's Prosecution Service with enough evidence for the office to open a case. CBGE, the Secretary of State for Sports, Leisure, and Youth (SEEL), and the overseeing body of Sports of the Rio de Janeiro State (SUDERJ) have received notices from the State, which only the SEEL replied to.
In question are two distinct investments. The first is the $815,000 GET Rio received from the Rio de Janeiro Government to run the event and the second is a $360,000 supplement CBGE asked just a couple of days before GET Rio's start. While public workers who can be found guilty during the investigation could face fines and loss of public function, CBGE and its previous administration could be facing criminal charges such as fraud and corruption.
