Detectives from the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit (SIIU) have today charged two men on summons in relation to an investigation into suspicious betting activity relating to an esports league.
The investigation commenced after police received information from a betting agency about activity linked to a number of matches in the League of Legends Pro League on 8 June of last year.
It's alleged that players were arranging to throw matches and it's believed a number of matches were 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.
The duo will face Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 26 September.
Both of these offences carry up to 10 years imprisonment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Superintendent, Wayne Woltsche, State Intelligence Division:
"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.
"The Victoria Police Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit has previously investigated suspicious activity linked to esports betting and it remains an area of focus for us.
"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."
Anyone with information about illegal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
