National

Vic pair accused of Esport match fixing

By AAP Newswire

May 17, 2022

INTEL EXTREME MASTERS SYDNEY — Two Melbourne gamers have been accused of throwing matches at an Esports tournament. -PR Handout Image

Two Melbourne gamers have been charged with match fixing at an Esports tournament after a year-long Victoria Police investigation.

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A betting agency alerted police to suspicious activity linked to matches in the League of Legends Pro League tournament in June 2021.

It's alleged players were arranging to throw matches, affecting multiple events.

A 25-year-old Kingsville man has been charged with use of corrupt conduct information for betting purposes.

Another 25-year-old from Brooklyn is charged with engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of event or event contingency.

The duo will face Melbourne Magistrates' Court on September 26, but the investigation remains ongoing.

"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," Detective Acting Superintendent, Wayne Woltsche, State Intelligence Division said in a statement.

"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."

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press