Investigations Unit

The World Anti-Doping Code empowers WADA to initiate its own investigations. While WADA’s mandate enables us to investigate an individual violation committed by an individual person, the primary focus is on serious and organized doping networks as well as Code or International Standards non-conformities. Central to their mandate are those allegations which involve entrenched, widespread doping practices or other activities that facilitate doping. 

The objective of the Investigations Unit is to pursue the most serious actors, while also developing law enforcement partnerships and developing specialist capabilities to stakeholders and Anti-Doping Organizations who might not have the resources or expertise to conduct investigations. The Investigations Unit is also responsible for compliance related investigations.  

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    “Investigations are at the heart of protecting clean sport. Within the Investigations Unit, dedicated teams of investigators and analysts are committed to apply a robust investigative process and to follow the facts wherever they lead: undercover ADRV or breaches of the Code and / or International Standards, exposing doping networks and support our partners from law enforcement. Ultimately, we aim to hold those responsible to account.  

    With independence, professionalism and integrity, the investigation unit ensures that clean sport isn't just a slogan, but a reality.” 

    - Mathieu Holz, Head of Investigations Unit

Investigative Process

Whether we are investigating potential Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs), cooperating with law enforcement to shut down large scale doping rings or curtailing the trafficking of prohibited substances, our team plays an active role in the global anti-doping program. 

We apply a multi-part investigative process to every case we examine:

Information on possible doping infractions comes to us from many sources. A parent may see something that makes them suspicious, an athlete may stand up for their own integrity, an official may be asked to do something questionable. 

Regardless of the source, we begin by collecting additional information. For example, we may interview the person making the claim or seek out corroborating evidence without compromising the confidentiality of the informant. 

Once we have collected information, we will conduct an analysis. An analyst will be assigned to the case along with a scientific expert if necessary. Their job is to assess the quality of the information and the source. 

They will consider both internal and external data that backs up the claims. Through a robust pre-investigative review, we want to determine the scope, accuracy and likelihood of the allegations.  

During the investigation phase, we collaborate with internal teams and external partners such as National Anti-Doping Organizations, International Federations, delegated Third Parties, and law enforcement. We also assist partner organizations to share information. The team will conduct more interviews and analysis to further corroborate the claims. 

We rely on the Guidelines - Information Gathering and Intelligence  Sharing to ensure consistency and rigor. 

Following our investigation, we determine whether the case requires additional follow-up or if it should be closed. A case report is drafted and after thorough review, is recommended to be published.  

See Investigative Reports to consult reports from some of the larger investigations. Throughout the process, our priority is to work closely with the Intelligence Unit, which manages confidential sources separately from investigations, ensuring human source files are kept updated while source identities remain protected 

Strengthening Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations 

One of the key components of the I&I Capability and Capacity Building Project is providing online and in-person training to anti-doping organization staff to help them increase in-house capacity with regards to intelligence and investigations. The Project was piloted in Europe between 2022 and 2024, during which time multiple training activities took place, totaling 135 participants, 67 of which were law enforcement and INTERPOL. WADA has committed to developing the project into a Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network, beginning with expansion into the Asia and Oceania region in March 2025.   

Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network

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    About  

    To further harmonize and strengthen the investigation of doping in sport worldwide, WADA I&I began building the Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network (ADIIN) in 2017. ADIIN serves as a global resource to assist Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) in conducting investigations, and to identify and promote best practice investigative standards.  

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    International Standard for Intelligence and Investigations  

    To support the Code requirement of ADOs to investigate ADRVs, the main objective of ADIIN’s Expert Group was to define and establish the key requirements of the anti-doping I&I process. Since mid-2023, volunteers from the ADIIN have been part of a group that has gathered and laid the foundations of a dedicated International Standard for Intelligence and Investigations (ISII).  

    This is a massive achievement led by the Expert Group and its Steering Committee members on behalf of the ADOs’ investigative community—a legacy that will strengthen the importance of I&I for clean sport.  

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    Strengthening the anti-doping legal framework  

    The ADIIN Expert Group, under the coordination of the Steering Committee, is strengthening the anti-doping legal framework by assisting the drafting teams working on the Code and International Standards Update Process and proactively making suggestions and/or amendments. The ADIIN Expert Group will therefore ensure that the specificity of Intelligence and Investigations is properly reflected. 

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Additional resources