The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) partnered with Australia’s Victoria Police to tackle match-fixing in the professional esports arena.
Under the partnership, Victoria Police’s Sports Integrity Intelligence Unit (SIIU) will receive real-time alerts from ESIC about suspicious betting activity.
Victoria Police say this will allow detectives to launch an investigation as soon as possible.
The Victorian Crime Act was also amended in 2013 to add four criminal offenses directly related to cheating of event betting results. These offenses do not specify the type of sporting event, but instead refer to fraudulent betting results.
The SIIU conducted Australia’s first law enforcement investigation into match-fixing in esports in 2019. Five men have been charged with engaging in conduct that corrupts or may corrupt betting results, using corrupt practices information for gambling purposes, and other charges.
Such crimes carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Vulnerable targets in esports
Chris Gilbert, assistant secretary of the Intelligence and Covert Support Command, said players could potentially be a more vulnerable target than those engaged in traditional sports given the demographics of esports.
“They are often young adults, may be more susceptible to corrupt approaches by criminal gangs due to minimal bounties and lack of focus on integrity and education by game developers.” said Gilbert.
“Victoria Police will continue to target esports intrusions by potential criminals, including organized crime syndicates.
“In addition to this agreement with ESIC, we have developed strong relationships with many esports players and betting operators and will continue to work together to target any suspicious activity.
“It is important that people understand that these are serious crimes with serious penalties, and we take reports of suspicious activity very seriously.”
ESIC Global Strategy Director Stephen Hannah added: “Cooperation between law enforcement and ESIC is essential to ensure a fair and safe environment for esports competitors and fans.
“Esports is a global industry and requires a global response to maintain integrity. You can protect the integrity of the convention.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Victorian Police and other law enforcement agencies to protect esports.”
