Japan ad giant and other firms indicted over alleged Olympic contract bid-rigging

https://www.npr.org/2023/02/28/ [login to see] /japan-ad-giant-and-other-firms-indicted-over-alleged-olympic-contract-bid-riggin
Japan's largest advertising agency Dentsu and five other firms have been indicted for bid-rigging in the run-up to the 2021 summer Olympics. The deepening scandal suggests that preparations for some of the world's highest-level sporting competitions were anything but competitive.

Prosecutors issued the indictments after receiving complaints from Japan's Fair Trade Commission. The complaints say that Dentsu, its main rival Hakuhodo, and four other firms and seven individuals rigged bids for Olympic test events.

The events were dress rehearsals held between 2018 and 2021 to test Olympic venues, and familiarize athletes and staff with them. The games will largely be remembered for being delayed by a year, and being held despite widespread public opposition to going ahead with the games during the COVID-19 pandemic.