Law enforcement officers in New South Wales (NSW) have filed charges against three athletes from the Australian A-League for alleged gambling-related corruption involving the manipulation of yellow cards.
The A-League athletes, whose identities have not been disclosed to the public, are all reportedly members of a team located in southwestern Sydney. The three athletes have been released on bail and are scheduled to appear in court in the coming days to receive further information regarding the corruption charges.
NSW police confirmed the news in an official statement, indicating that the arrests were made following an investigation conducted by the Organized Crime Squad. The investigation focused on alleged gambling corruption under the codename “Operation Beaconview.”
“Operation Beaconview,” which commenced in December, centered on the manipulation of yellow cards. The State Crime Command’s Organized Crime Squad is receiving support from the UK Gambling Commission.
Investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that a senior athlete was allegedly receiving instructions from an individual to orchestrate yellow cards in specific matches in exchange for financial gain. This individual is believed to be residing abroad in South America.
According to investigators, the number of yellow cards was manipulated in matches played on November 24, 2023, and December 9, 2023.
It is claimed that comparable efforts to sway the results of games took place on April 20th and May 4th of this year.
After a thorough inquiry, investigators from the Strike Force executed a search warrant in South Coogee, near Sydney, today (May 17th). During the search, a 33-year-old man was apprehended and taken to a nearby police station.
The man was subsequently charged with two counts of engaging in wagering activities that influenced the outcome of games. Other charges include aiding in wagering activities that affected the outcome of games and participating in a criminal organization. The man was granted release on bail and is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on June 24th.
**Further Apprehensions in A-League Corruption Investigation**
Meanwhile, investigators from the Strike Force have executed three additional search warrants in Parramatta, West Hoxton, and Emu Plains.
In Parramatta, detectives arrested a 27-year-old man and transported him to a local police station. There, he was charged with engaging in wagering activities that affected the outcome of games and participating in a criminal organization. He has been granted release on bail and is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on June 27th.
The final arrest took place in West Hoxton, where a 32-year-old man was taken to a nearby police station. He was also charged with engaging in wagering activities that affected the outcome of games and participating in a criminal organization.
The man was granted conditional release on bail and is scheduled to appear in Campbelltown Local Court on May 30th.
Further specifics of the case have not been disclosed.
Although this is the case, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has verified the apprehensions and declared its willingness to collaborate with law enforcement entities and provide them assistance in managing the situation.
“The APL is cognizant of the fact that three A-League athletes have been detained by New South Wales Police as a consequence of an international law enforcement partnership aimed at addressing alleged match-fixing linked to betting fraud,” the APL statement conveyed.
“It is imperative that we remain steadfast in our dedication to safeguarding the integrity of the sport, and we are actively working in tandem with all pertinent authorities in addressing this issue. Considering the ongoing nature of the inquiry and the police investigation, we are presently unable to provide further commentary.”
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