Six people arrested in Australia for arranging fix-matches

Detectives from the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit, along with detectives from the Organised Crime Intelligence Unit, have executed warrants at a number of properties this week in relation to an investigation into suspicious betting activity relating to an esports league.

The investigation commenced in March 2019 after police received information from a betting agency about activity linked to a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) tournament.

It’s alleged that players were arranging to throw matches and subsequently placing bets on those matches.It’s believed at least five matches were impacted and over 20 bets were put on the matches by Australian punters.

Six men have been interviewed in relation to the offenses of engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of event or event contingency, or use of corrupt conduct information for betting purposes.These offenses carry up to 10 years imprisonment.They have since been released pending further inquiries and the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives from the SIIU are also continuing to work with a number of betting agencies, including Sportsbet, in relation to this matter.

Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson said this investigation involving the esports industry was one of the first of its kind by Victoria Police.

“Esports is really an emerging sporting industry and with that will come the demand for betting availability on the outcomes of tournaments and matches”

“It’s important that police and other agencies within the law enforcement, gaming and betting industries continue to work together to target any suspicious activity.

“These warrants also highlight that police will take any reports of suspicious or criminal activity within esports seriously, and we encourage anyone with information to come forward.”