Munich prosecutors continue to conceal the doping investigation.
The German public prosecutor's office has invited the media to a press conference next Wednesday in Munich, where they will provide updates on the ongoing investigation into the international blood doping scandal. The conference will mark the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the specialized public prosecutor's office for combating doping crime.
The investigation, which has been ongoing since 2021, implicates a German sports doctor, Mark Schmidt, who was convicted for running a systematic blood doping ring known as Operation Aderlass. The scandal has involved multiple athletes across cycling and other endurance sports.
In recent developments, several alleged accomplices of Schmidt have been arrested, including staff members from top cycling teams such as Ineos–Grenadiers and Bahrain–Mérida. Notably, a staffer from Ineos–Grenadiers was reported to have maintained contact with Schmidt as recently as 2012, asking for doping substances used by former teams like Milram.
David Rozman, a Slovenian masseur who has worked for Ineos Grenadiers for years, and Milan Erzen, the managing director of Bahrain–Mérida, have also been implicated in the scandal. Rozman is alleged to have had communication with Schmidt around the 2012 Tour de France, while Erzen has denied involvement but remains active in professional cycling and triathlon communities.
The investigation has revealed that transfusions may have taken place at multiple international events, including marathons and skiing championships. The case is ongoing, with German prosecutors continuing to investigate the wider extent of Operation Aderlass.
In the most recent arrests, five long-distance runners have been arrested as alleged blood doping customers. The sports doctor, identified as Mark S., is currently in custody, and extensive evidence, including 40 blood bags, was seized during the arrests.
The press conference will offer insight into the work of the specialized public prosecutor's office for combating doping crime and will discuss the progress of the investigations against the accused Erfurt doctor and his accomplices. If necessary, additional questioning of the doctor will take place on Wednesday.
S. is suspected of operating an international blood doping network from Erfurt. The press conference will also provide an update on the investigative successes in the proceedings against the accused Erfurt doctor and his accomplices. As of the time of the article, no further statements have been made about the main suspect, Mark S., or further investigative steps.
- The ongoing investigation into the international blood doping scandal, which involves a German sports doctor and several accomplices, spans across multiple sports, including health-and-wellness activities like long-distance running.
- The general news of the forthcoming press conference in Munich is significant as it will offer updates on the progress of the investigation against the accused Erfurt doctor and his accomplices, who have been implicated in the widespread operation known as Operation Aderlass.
- The crime-and-justice sphere has been impacted by Operation Aderlass, with arrests made not only of sports personnel but also of alleged customers, such as five long-distance runners, who are accused of engaging in blood doping activities.
