Police dismantles match-fixing ring raking in millions from illegal betting
Source: National Police of Ukraine
Ukrainian law enforcement has busted several criminal groups involved in match-fixing schemes across esports, table tennis, and football. The groups used inside knowledge of match results to place bets with bookmakers, generating millions in illicit profits.
The suspects employed bribes, threats, and intimidation to make athletes lose matches.
The ring also established partnerships with famed athletes to give the credibility to their rigged events. This trick allowed them to draw thousands of viewers to their live stream events.
Among the organizers of the scheme were former elite athletes who leveraged their professional networks to set up fixed matches between esports players from Australia, Europe, and Ukraine. They used cryptocurrencies and high-value assets like luxury cars and real estate to launder the money earned from illegal betting.
Police conducted 45 simultaneous raids across the country, gathering evidence and seizing digital data related to the criminal activity. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple charges pending.
If convicted, the suspects could face up to 12 years in prison, along with asset confiscation.
One of the organizers has already been formally charged, and authorities continue their efforts to locate other members of the ring many of whom are now believed to be abroad.
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