Detectives from the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit have today arrested two people as part of an investigation into alleged illegal activity within the racing industry.
Warrants were executed in Keilor East, Mornington and Wallan from 8.25am this morning.
A 38-year-old Keilor East man has been arrested and will now be interviewed for offences including:
• 195C Engage in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of event or event contingency;
• Trafficking a Drug of Dependence - Cocaine; and
• Conspiracy to Defraud Racing Victoria Limited Stewards.
A 47-year-old Mornington woman has been arrested and will be interviewed for offences including:
• 195C Engage in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of event or event contingency; and
• Conspiracy to Defraud Racing Victoria Limited Stewards.
The investigation has focused on the alleged use of illegal substances in racing and corrupt betting practices, as well as the use, possession and trafficking of cocaine.
Police will also consider making a formal referral to the Veterinary Practitioners Board with regards to the alleged failure to comply with requirements as a registered vet.
Detectives from the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit have been assisted by all three racing codes in Victoria during this investigation - Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria.
Police are also liaising with the Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner.
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.au
Quotes attributable to Superintendent Steve White, Intelligence and Covert Support Command:
"Victoria Police has long led the way in terms of investigations into allegations of corrupt and illegal activity within sport and racing, and this investigation again highlights this.
"Victorians are well known for their love of sport but equally they want to know that the playing field is fair and honest.
"We also know that the various sporting codes, such as the racing bodies we have been assisted by as part of this investigation, feel the same as police and the broader public.
I can assure the public that Victoria Police take matters of corruption in sport seriously. We will continue to work with our stakeholders to target, disrupt and apprehend people who commit these offences.
That public assistance is a really key part - we know there are people out there involved in sport or racing who see or hear things they know are not right and we need them to speak up. This can also be done confidentially via Crime Stoppers.
Today's warrants also reinforce that police are prepared to investigate any and all allegations of corruption in sport."
