The arrests come after months of investigations into alleged corruption in the planning and sponsorship of the international sporting event that was held in 2021 after a pandemic-driven postponement.

Many cases of corruption have involved officials registering businesses and property under the names of relatives, allowing them to meet the letter of party guidelines while still using their influence to amass wealth.

Analysts say the latest development is a clear indication there have been infections in the isolated country, which is under international sanctions for its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.