Two charged after allegedly throwing esports matches
Two men could spend 10 years behind bars following alleged suspicious betting activity in an esports league for a popular online game.
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Two men are facing up to 10 years in prison after alleged suspicious betting activity in an esports league where matches were thrown.
Victoria Police’s Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit started investigating after receiving information from a betting agency about activity linked to a number of matches in the League of Legends Pro League on June 8, 2021.
It is alleged players were arranging to throw matches, with a number of games believed to have been impacted.
A 25-year-old Kingsville man has been charged on summons with the offence of use of corrupt conduct information for betting purposes.
A 25-year-old Brooklyn man has also been charged on summons with the offence of engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of event or event contingency.
Both of these offences carry imprisonment sentences of up to 10 years.
The duo will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 26.
Detective acting superintendent Wayne Woltsche said they have investigated suspicious esports activity in the past and it will continue to be an area of focus.
“Esports is an emerging sporting industry that only continues to get more popular, however with that also comes an increase not only in those wanting to bet on outcomes, but also in those willing to try and take advantage of the systems for their own gain,” he said.
“We’ve developed strong relationships with a number of esports stakeholders and betting agencies, and we’ll continue to work together to target any suspicious activity.
“It’s important that people understand these are significant criminal offences with substantial penalties, and these charges show that we will take any reports of suspicious activity seriously.”
The police’s investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about illegal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Originally published as Two charged after allegedly throwing esports matches
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