Interpol to help strengthen security at RIO 2016 Olympics

The international police agency Interpol Tuesday announced that it has signed an agreement with the Rio 2016 Organising Committee to provide additional support to the Brazilian authorities in "ensuring the safety and security" of the event.

"As part of the agreement, an Interpol Major Events Support Team (IMEST) will be deployed to Brazil to provide on-site support through their connection to Interpol's tools, services and databases such as Stolen and Lost Travel Documents, DNA, stolen motor vehicles and internationally wanted persons," reported Xinhua citing Lyon-based Interpol in a release.

It will also assist national authorities to address other crime issues linked to major sporting events, through the provision of training and investigative support in illegal betting and match-fixing prevention, and combating counterfeiting and illicit trade.

"Securing major sporting events which attract millions of visitors is an immense challenge to any country and one which Interpol is ideally placed to support," said Interpol Secretary General Ronald K. Noble,

The agreement is "a key step in providing the widest possible law enforcement support to this iconic sporting event, and ensuring that the millions of fans competitors and officials at the Games can enjoy them as safely and securely as possible", he added.

The agreement was signed during the 82nd Interpol General Assembly held in Cartagena de Indias, in Colombia, where delegates from 144 countries would address a range of issues including strengthening border security, drugs trafficking, counterfeiting, arms trafficking and cybercrime.