Swiss national in trouble for suspect 'blood works' on athletes

A 29-year-old Swiss National is facing two years in prison for extracting blood from top Kenyan athletes, carrying out illegal tests and unknown research contrary to the law.

Reports indicate that Bassile Samuel David Moreillon pleaded guilty before an Iten Court but begged for mercy and leniency saying that he was a Research PHD Student from Switzerland carrying out research in partnership with Kenyatta University and University of Nairobi.

Chebet out to defend world title in Belgrade

Prosecution says that the accused operated an illegal laboratory and was extracting blood from both renown athletes and locals for unexplained reasons.

Bassille, who was charged alongside Kenyan Geoffrey Kibet Bwambok before Iten senior principal magistrate Emily Kigen, admitted the charges filed against him under the Ministry of Health Rules.

He pleaded guilty to all his charges and urged for mercy saying he has not wasted the precious judicial time.

Reports indicate that participants were getting paid Ksh 1000.

The duo was charged with undertaking scientific research without a License Contrary to Section 15 of the Science, Technology and Innovation Act Number 6 of 2022.

The charge stated that between March 3 and 7, 2024 at Iten Township, Keiyo North Sub County in Elgeyo-Marakwet County jointly with others not before court were found conducting scientific research by obtaining blood samples mainly from athletes and non-athletes without a license from the National Commission for Scientific, technology and Innovation.

They were also charged with operating a private Medical laboratory without approval contrary to Section 21 of the Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technological Act of 1999.

Additional information by Daily Nation