An official of the Australian Football League (AFL) is one of the four individuals who have been taken into custody by police forces investigating some claims that an insider with knowledge of the Brownlow Medal tallies of the League provided a betting ring with sensitive information.
The investigation is being carried out in cooperation between the Australian Football League and Sport Integrity Australia.
Earlier today, detectives from the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit of the Victoria Police arrested four individuals over suspicious betting activity associated with this season’s medal count. The state’s police forces are investigating how many matches may have had votes released, as well as the amount of money awarded from the wagers mentioned above.
At this point of the investigation, local police officers do not have information suggesting that the outcome of the votes was affected, considering the fact that the allegations relate only to the distribution of sensitive information on the matter.
Several warnings were issued earlier on November 14th by police detectives at homes across Melbourne. During the investigation process, a number of mobile phones and several electronic items were seized. As mentioned above, four men aged 27, 29, and 32, respectively, were taken into custody and have since been released by local police forces.
Victorian Police Takes Four Men into Custody during the Investigation
Sport Integrity Australia, an executive agency of the Australian Government, has not commented on the matter apart from making a confirmation that it was supporting the AFL and the Victoria Police forces in the reported inquiry.
One of the four men, who got arrested, was questioned over the offence of allegedly engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome. The individual is expected to face charges on summons.
Another one of the four arrested persons was questioned on the alleged offence of using deceitful conduct information for betting purposes. This person is also expected to face charges on summons. The third and fourth of the men arrested by the police forces were also interviewed for the same alleged offence, with one of them set to face charges on summons, while the other was simply released pending the completion of further inquiries.
If there is enough proof for the alleged offences of the four men, their transgressions could carry an imprisonment sentence of up to 10 years.
Deb Robertson, a police Commander, explained in a statement that the residents of Victoria were well-known for their affection for the Australian Football League and the prestigious Brownlow Medal award, in particular. They were now willing to know there was fairness, integrity and honesty behind the award.
This year’s medal was won by Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, who managed to gather 29 votes and beat the 2020 winner Lachie Neale, the Gold Coast superstar Touk Miller, and Andrew Brayshaw, a midfielder for Fremantle, who received 28 votes, 27 votes, and 25 votes, respectively.
- Author
Daniel Williams
