ESIC partners Victoria police to tackle esports match-fixing
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has announced a strategic partnership with Victoria Police in Australia to combat the growing issue of match-fixing within the professional esports arena.
This collaboration will enable the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit (SIIU) of Victoria Police to receive immediate alerts regarding suspicious betting activities, thereby facilitating prompt investigations.
According to Victoria Police, this proactive approach is designed to enhance the timeliness and effectiveness of their investigative procedures.
In 2013, the Victorian Crimes Act was amended to establish four distinct criminal offenses related to altering the outcome of sporting events through corrupt means. Notably, the legislation does not limit these offenses to traditional sports, thereby encompassing all events with betting implications.
The SIIU made a significant breakthrough in 2019, successfully conducting the first law enforcement investigation into esports match-fixing in Australia. This inquiry resulted in charges against five individuals for offenses such as engaging in conduct intended to corrupt a betting outcome and utilizing corrupt information for gambling purposes.
Such offenses carry maximum penalties of up to 10 years in prison, underscoring the serious legal ramifications associated with match-fixing.
Vulnerable Targets in Esports
Chris Gilbert, Assistant Commissioner for Intelligence and Covert Support Command, emphasized the heightened vulnerability of esports players compared to traditional athletes, primarily due to their demographic characteristics.
“Esports players are predominantly young adults, often exposed to corrupt approaches from criminal organizations, especially given the relatively low prize money and insufficient emphasis on integrity and educational initiatives by game developers,” Gilbert stated.
“Victoria Police remains committed to addressing the infiltration of esports by potential offenders, including organized crime syndicates. Collaboratively, we have forged robust relationships with various esports entities and wagering operators to effectively combat suspicious activities.”
“It is crucial for the public to recognize that these offenses are serious criminal charges that carry severe penalties. We will rigorously investigate any reports of suspicious activity,” Gilbert added.
Stephen Hanna, ESIC’s Director of Global Strategy, emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and integrity bodies like ESIC. “Such partnerships are vital for ensuring a fair and secure environment for both esports competitors and their fanbases,” he explained.
“As esports evolves into a global phenomenon, it necessitates a unified approach to uphold integrity. By partnering with law enforcement agencies, we can more effectively identify and address suspicious betting activities, thereby protecting the integrity of esports competitions.”
“We eagerly anticipate ongoing collaboration with Victoria Police and other law enforcement bodies to uphold the integrity of the esports landscape,” Hanna concluded.
