Victorian police have smashed an alleged multi-million-dollar international match-fixing ring involving the Victorian Premier League soccer competition.
Police have arrested 10 people after executing search warrants across Melbourne.
It is believed the players and staff involved are all affiliated with the same club in the state competition.
Police say many of the players are from the United Kingdom and were playing in Victoria during the northern offseason.
Authorities have so far identified more than $ 2 million in betting winnings from the syndicate.
“It’s believed there has been estimated betting winnings in Australia and overseas of more than $ 2 million identified to date in connection with this particular operation,” Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton said.
“We will continue to work with the relevant sporting codes and the Australian Crime Commission to create an environment that is hostile to those seeking to engage in illegal activities involving our sporting codes.”
The Purana Taskforce and Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit began the investigation in August after a tip-off from Football Federation Australia (FFA).
“Further match-fixing risks are imminent in Australia, partly because of localised overseas betting on Australian sporting events due to our favourable time zone,” Mr Ashton said.
All of those arrested are expected to face match-fixing charges, with a maximum penalty of 10 years.
Football Federation Australia chief David Gallop will hold a press conference regarding the investigation at 2:30pm (AEST).
