Russia's Lower House of Parliament today passed the first stage of the Bill which is designed to stop ticket touts cashing in on the Games. 

The illegal reselling of tickets is a major problem in Russia, particularly at major sports events and pop concerts. 

It follows the relative success of a crackdown during London 2012 when unauthorised selling of tickets was a crime under the Olympic Act punishable by a £20,000 ($32,000/€25,000) fine.

A total of 92 people were arrested during the Games on suspicion of ticket touting.

Among those arrested was a German who had £23,000 ($37,000/€29,000) worth of tickets for sale, including some for the Opening Ceremony that he was selling for £1,100 ($1,800/€1,400).


The new Bill would additionally allow the Government to regulate prices for tickets and hotel services in the Krasnodar Region from September 2012 till July 2014.

Having passed its first reading, the Bill must now through two more stages before Russian President Vladimir Putin can sign it into law.